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Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking to hire a Director/Senior Director for State Government Relations.

Department: Office of Government Relations

Department Summary: The Office of Government Relations provides comprehensive governmental relations services for Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System. The office serves as a liaison between the governor’s office, General Assembly, agencies of the commonwealth, Richmond City Council and local boards of supervisors, as well as with Virginia’s congressional delegation.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Director/Senior Director provides comprehensive state government relations services for VCU and partners with government relations colleagues at VCU Health System on advocacy efforts. The individual also provides policy analysis and guidance to the President, Vice President for Government Relations and senior leadership on a wide array of higher education issues and priorities. This position is the primary interface for state level policymakers on behalf of VCU under the direction of the Vice President for Government Relations and the Vice President for External Affairs and Health Policy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

● Establish and support strategic legislative priorities and budget advocacy efforts

● Align government relations strategy with institutional priorities, including academic, research and health system goals

● Attend and represent VCU at legislative, regulatory, and budget meetings in Richmond and across the Commonwealth

● Track and monitor legislation, including rapid response to emerging policy issues

● Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education throughout the year and advise leadership accordingly

● Advocate effectively for institutional interests on key higher education policy issues

● Proactively coordinate strategic engagement with executive and legislative stakeholders

● Prepare leadership for external engagement, including briefing materials and talking points

● Establish internal relationships and collaborate with subject matter experts at VCU to evaluate legislative impact and policy implications

● Engage with external partners and coalitions, such as higher education associations or regional advocacy groups

● Deliver public presentations across campus and in the broader community

● Collaborate with other institutions of higher education and various associations to align shared goals and enhance advocacy efforts

● Support implementation of higher education policy initiatives

● Contribute to long-term strategic planning related to the institution’s government relations strategy

● Perform additional duties aligned with the mission of the VCU Office of Governmental Relations

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience)

● Extensive knowledge of state government policy and process

● Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with state legislators, senior government administrators, and key stakeholders

● Strong organizational skills with a high degree of discretion and professionalism

● Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and public relations skills

● Strong analytical skills to interpret complex legislation, regulations, and budget documents

● Ability to research, analyze, and produce executive-level communications on higher education policy

● Experience developing and implementing policy recommendations with broad institutional impact

● Knowledge of Virginia higher education systems and operations

● Ability to communicate, influence, and negotiate with policymakers and opinion leaders to advance institutional priorities

● Ability to produce clear executive summaries and advocacy materials

● Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with university and government regulations

● Demonstrated ability to work effectively and with a relatively high level of autonomy in a rapidly changing, politically diverse environment

● Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

● Master’s degree preferred

● Seven to nine years of experience in state government or policy roles

● Comprehensive knowledge of the Virginia higher education landscape

Please note that the final classification for the selected candidate will be determined as either Director or Senior Director, contingent upon the individual’s relevant experience, depth of expertise and demonstrated leadership.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 92591 - Open