Senior Director of Government Relations

Senior Director of Government Relations

Office of the President/Chief of Staff

Job

Close Date:
March 22nd, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs— all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily ding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary.

Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership and operations management for Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, community, and regional governmental relations program. This position is responsible for developing and executing campus‑based advocacy strategies that advance University priorities, support CSU sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and for strengthening Cal Poly Humboldt’s visibility and influence among its partners.

The Senior Director serves as the primary liaison between state, federal and regional agencies, state and congressional delegation, and other state elected officials throughout California. Acting with a high degree of independent judgement, the Senior Director also serves the President’s liaison to regional government and civic organizations. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the VP and the University President to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals.

• Government Relations and Advocacy Management (30%) – Direct and manage Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities. Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans aligned with University and CSU system priorities. Monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting higher education and the University, assess potential impacts, and recommend strategic responses. Represent the University in meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies, including participation in advocacy visits and briefings.
• Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (25%) – Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor's Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor's Office of Federal Relations, and other external governmental consultants. Coordinate campus input into CSU system‑wide legislative, regulatory, and budget initiatives. Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders to support effective engagement with governmental stakeholders.
• Advocacy and Partnership Building (15%) – Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for Cal Poly Humboldt projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent the university.
• Regional and Community Government Relations (10%) – Serve as a campus liaison to regional civic groups and non‑profit agencies. Represent the University on external boards, committees, and task forces, as appropriate. Strengthen partnerships that support regional economic development, educational access, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission.
• Internal Collaboration and Strategic…