Senior Director of Government Relations

Senior Director of Government Relations

Job no: 554586 – Work type:
Management (MPP) –

Location:

Humboldt – Close Date:
March 22, 2026

Position Summary: 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. The role develops and executes campus‑based advocacy strategies that advance university priorities, supports CSU‑sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, recruits and trains key support groups, and strengthens the university’s visibility and influence among partners.

• Government Relations and Advocacy Management (30%) – Direct and manage federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities; develop and implement strategic advocacy plans; monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals; represent the university in meetings with elected officials and agencies.
• Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (25%) – Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Offices of Advocacy & State Relations and Federal Relations; coordinate campus input into system‑wide initiatives; prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for senior leaders.
• Advocacy and Partnership Building (15%) – Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for university projects and policy initiatives among constituencies; serve on advisory boards and represent the university.
• Regional and Community Government Relations (10%) – Serve as campus liaison to regional civic groups and non‑profit agencies; represent the university on external boards, committees, and task forces to strengthen partnerships supporting regional development and community engagement.
• Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (15%) – Interface with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to align internal priorities with external advocacy; convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts; provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders on governmental processes and compliance.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%) – Perform additional assignments as directed by university leadership.

• Ability to network with a broad range of constituents through strong oral/written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, community stakeholders, and organizations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the President, Executive Cabinet, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Alumni Director, Campus Research Officer, and University Researchers.
• Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials.
• Effective problem‑solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
• Communication skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures, legislative processes, and public policy development, particularly as they relate to higher education.
• Ability to analyze complex policy, legislative, and budget issues; assess political feasibility and institutional risk; and develop strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony, correspondence, and executive‑level briefing materials.
• Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the university to elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and a wide range of stakeholder viewpoints.
• Knowledge of ethics, compliance, and regulatory requirements related to governmental advocacy.

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