Vice Chancellor for Government Relations
About The Position
The Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (VCGR) is the primary advisor to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents on government relations, engagement, and advocacy strategy. The role oversees state and federal relations and coordinates development of government relations priorities and advocacy efforts across the System, including proactive engagement with policymakers, agency leadership, and other stakeholders. The VCGR advises on legislative issues, policy proposals, funding opportunities, and legislation and policy that may affect the System. The VCGR develops and advances state and federal government relations strategies, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, advises System leadership and stakeholders, and coordinates legislative communications. The position engages with government officials, higher education associations, and community and business stakeholders; chairs the USM State Relations Council; convenes federal institutional representatives; and serves on the Chancellor’s senior leadership team.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
- Demonstrated success working within or with Maryland legislative and federal government processes and with issues in state and federal higher education.
- Ability to provide USM leadership with information, analysis, and comment on higher education matters.
- Ability to create alignment across a complex, decentralized System comprising diverse institutions.
- Ability to influence and persuade government, community, and other stakeholders to align with System goals and mission.
- Good judgment and political acumen, and ability to work across political and social boundaries.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially regarding legislative strategy.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience managing a legislative agenda, higher education policy, budget advocacy, and labor relations.
- Prior experience working with Maryland legislators, the executive branch, and their staff.
- Prior experience working with federal relations.
- Experience working for or with the USM.
Responsibilities
- Develop and lead the USM state relations strategy to promote the System’s mission, core values, objectives, and interests.
- Formulate and advance a legislative agenda that supports the System’s mission, objectives, and operations.
- Monitor local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments that could affect the USM.
- Provide timely updates, advice, and recommendations on emerging legislation and regulatory issues to the Chancellor, Board of Regents, USMO staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate with senior staff to develop testimony, fiscal notes, and other messaging to advance the System.
- Shape state higher education policy affecting the USM through consultation with legislators and the Governor’s key advisors.
- Engage with the Governor, Maryland General Assembly, Maryland Congressional delegation, state and federal agencies, local officials, and higher education associations.
- Build constructive relationships with state officials and inform them about higher education issues specific to the USM.
- Assist the Chancellor and Board Chair with engagement in regional and national higher education sectors and with national higher education associations.
- Consult with the Governor and key advisors on matters affecting the USM, including higher education policy, operations, and budget.
- Build relationships with policymakers, business and community figures, and stakeholders to advocate for education, research, and initiatives that support the USM.
- Chair the USM State Relations Council and coordinate its activities to align with the System’s mission while respecting individual university goals.
- Strengthen the federal government relations strategy to increase engagement, visibility, and support for the System’s mission, objectives, and operations.
- Convene USM federal institutional representatives to foster collaboration and dialogue.
- Serve on the Chancellor’s senior leadership team and advise on matters beyond government affairs that affect the System.
Benefits
- 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick and safe leave, 16–17 holidays, 3 personal leave days, and 12 weeks of paid family medical leave.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts.
- Mandatory and supplemental retirement plan options with providers including Fidelity and TIAA.
- Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
- Tuition remission for employees and their families.
- Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
- Eligibility for membership in SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
- Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services through the Employee Assistance Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
