Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

University System of Maryland Office • Annapolis, MD

6d

About The Position

The Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (VCGR) is the primary advisor to the Chancellor and Board of Regents on government relations, engagement, and advocacy strategy. The VCGR oversees State and Federal relations and coordinates the development of government relations priorities and advocacy efforts across the System, including proactive engagement with policymakers, agency leadership, and other stakeholders. The position advises on legislative issues, policy proposals, funding opportunities, and legislation and policy that could affect the System.

The VCGR develops and advances state legislative strategy and policy, monitors local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments, and advises System leadership and stakeholders. The role engages government and external stakeholders, chairs the USM State Relations Council, strengthens federal government relations and institutional coordination, 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 matters related to higher education.
• Ability to create alignment across a complex, decentralized System comprised of diverse institutions.
• Ability to effectively influence and persuade government, community, and other stakeholders to align with System goals and mission.
• Good judgment, political acumen, and ability to work well across political and social boundaries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially related to 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 spearhead the USM state relations strategy in support of 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 to the Chancellor, Board of Regents, USMO staff, and other relevant stakeholders on emerging legislation and regulatory issues.
• Coordinate with senior staff on 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 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 engagements 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, higher education policy, operations, and budget.
• Build relationships with policymakers, business and community figures, and stakeholders to advocate for education, research, and initiatives supporting the USM.
• Chair the USM State Relations Council and coordinate its activities, aligning them 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.
• 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.
• Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
• Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services through the Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive