Vice President for Government Relations

Montgomery College•OC - Central Services, MD

15h•$135,044 - $185,671•Onsite

About The Position

At Montgomery College, our students pursue their goals, transform their futures, and contribute to the vitality of Montgomery County and beyond. We believe higher education changes lives, strengthens communities, and fuels economic mobility. Our College serves a diverse and talented student population through academic excellence, workforce development, innovation, and community engagement. Our mission is rooted in being a place where students discover their passions and unlock their potential to transform lives, enrich the community, and change the world. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Through dedicated faculty and staff, strategic partnerships, public investment, and thoughtful advocacy, Montgomery College is committed to enhancing access, completion, and post-completion success with a focus that is student-centered, data-informed, and equity-minded. To help achieve these aspirations, we seek an experienced and strategic Vice President for Government Relations who will lead the College's legislative, policy, and advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. This is a unique opportunity to influence public policy, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance the priorities of one of the nation's leading community colleges. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Government Relations serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner, helping to position Montgomery College for continued success through effective government relations, coalition building, and advocacy. The Vice President for Government Relations provides executive leadership for the Office of Government Relations and serves as the College's chief advocate on governmental, legislative, and policy matters. The Vice President develops and executes a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances the College's mission, Strategic Plan, and Transformational Aspirations. Working closely with the President, senior leaders, elected officials, government agencies, business leaders, community partners, and other entities, the Vice President builds strong relationships that support the College's legislative priorities, public funding priorities, and long-term institutional success.

Requirements

Master’s degree or other advanced degree in public administration, public policy, law, political science, government, education policy, or a related field.
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, government affairs, public policy, higher education, advocacy, external affairs, coalition building, or a related field.
Experience supervising staff, developing organizational strategy, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and advancing institutional priorities.
Demonstrated experience developing relationships with senior leaders, elected officials, policymakers, and external stakeholders.
Proven record of advancing organizational, legislative, policy, or public funding priorities.
Eligible applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States and not require employer visa sponsorship.
Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex and high-impact challenges.
Independent judgment and initiative to advance priorities, drive results, and advance institutional goals with broad executive guidance.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Deep understanding of government relations, public policy, higher education, legislative processes, and fiscal matters.
A commitment to inclusivity, equity, and servant leadership, with the ability to build consensus, foster engagement, and create an environment where all individuals can contribute and succeed.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with state government.
Demonstrated success in coalition building and advocacy within higher education.
Experience navigating legislative, policy, and fiscal processes affecting public higher education institutions.

Responsibilities

Serve as the President's strategic advisor on governmental, legislative, policy, and political matters affecting the College.
In consultation with the President, develop and execute a comprehensive federal, state, and local government relations strategy, including annual advocacy goals, aligned with institutional priorities.
Translate institutional priorities into a focused legislative, policy, and budget agenda and lead efforts to advance that agenda.
Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative, regulatory, fiscal, and political developments impacting higher education and the College and provide timely advice and recommended actions to the President and senior leadership.
Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, business leaders, community organizations, and education partners.
Represent Montgomery College before local, state, and federal entities and at professional associations and community organizations.
Develop coalitions and partnerships that advance shared higher education priorities.
Work closely with the President’s Office and senior leadership to ensure coordination of government relations activities, elected official engagement, and matters requiring the President’s attention.
Coordinate testimony, advocacy materials, remarks, talking points, and strategic communications on behalf of College leadership.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop annual advocacy and government relations communication strategies.
Support and coordinate appropriate advocacy engagement among trustees, alumni, students, faculty, staff, board leadership, and community partners.
Ensure coordinated institutional responses to requests, inquiries, visits, meetings, and engagement opportunities involving elected officials and government stakeholders.
Provide strategic leadership, direction, and development for Government Relations staff, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and advocacy objectives.
Maintain an effective approach to tracking government relations activities, outcomes, and follow-up to support coordination, accountability, and alignment with College priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.