Vice President, Government Relations

NSU•Fort Lauderdale, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the institution’s chief strategist and senior leader responsible for advancing the organization’s public policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. Provides strategic direction, leadership, and coordination of all government-facing activities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and safeguarding the organization’s interests in the public sector. Acts as a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on legislative, regulatory, and political matters, and serves as the primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, and external advocacy partners.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory processes.
Understanding of appropriations, public funding mechanisms, and budget cycles.
Familiarity with public policy development, analysis, and advocacy strategies.
Knowledge of higher education, healthcare, and/or research policy environments (as applicable).
Awareness of political landscapes, stakeholder interests, and emerging policy trends.
Understanding of compliance requirements related to lobbying and government relations activities.
Strategic planning and execution of government relations and advocacy initiatives.
Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement with elected officials, agencies, and partners.
Executive-level written and verbal communication, including policy briefings and presentations.
Negotiation and influencing skills in complex political and organizational environments.
Analytical and critical thinking skills to assess policy impacts and opportunities.
Leadership and team management, including oversight of external lobbyists and consultants.
Cross-functional collaboration and coordination across diverse internal stakeholders.
Ability to translate organizational priorities into effective legislative and funding strategies.
Ability to build and sustain credibility with senior leaders, policymakers, and external partners.
Ability to navigate complex political environments with sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to anticipate policy risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting timelines in a dynamic policy environment.
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for executive audiences.
Ability to represent the organization effectively in high-visibility external settings.
Near Vision - Must be able to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition - Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speech Clarity - Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Travel - Must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
12–15+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise engaging with both federal and state government entities.
Proven experience managing external lobbying firms or advocacy partners.
Strong understanding of legislative processes, appropriations, and regulatory environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, academic health systems, or research-intensive organizations.
Established network of relationships with key policymakers and agencies.
Track record of securing government funding and influencing public policy outcomes.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates work activities of subordinates and staff, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and terminating, all in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Develops a comprehensive understanding of the institution’s strategic priorities, translating them into actionable legislative and funding agendas.
Leads the development and execution of a coordinated federal, state, and local government relations strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
Identifies and advances opportunities to secure public funding and influence policy outcomes that support institutional growth and impact.
Serves as the senior relationship manager with key stakeholders, including Members of Congress and their staff, Governor’s office and state leadership, State and local elected officials, and Federal, state, and local agencies.
Builds and sustains strong, credible relationships that enhance the organization’s visibility and influence in policymaking circles.
Represents the institution in external forums, coalitions, and advocacy groups.
Provides strategic counsel to the President and Board of Trustees on legislative developments, funding opportunities, and political risk.
Monitors and analyzes policy trends, regulatory changes, and political dynamics to inform leadership decision-making.
Leads major appropriations and funding initiatives, including but not limited to Healthcare workforce funding and Federal research and program opportunities (e.g., NIH, HRSA, NOAA, NSF).
Coordinates internal stakeholders to position the organization competitively for government funding.
Collaborates across the organization to ensure cohesive messaging and advocacy efforts, including partnership with Advancement, Public Relations/Communications, Research functions, and Health and specialized program units.
Aligns institutional priorities with external advocacy strategies and communications.
Evaluates, selects, and manages external lobbying firms and consultants, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and performance expectations.
Oversees external advocacy activities and ensure effective coordination between internal and external stakeholders.
Completes special projects as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.