Government Relations Officer

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all and focused on each of our students.

Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, andabout seeing their students thrive on every level of their  every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed toelevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators,fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.

MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College'sfocus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings:
No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more a.edu

The Government Relations Officer is responsible for the management and coordination of the Colleges' political relationships withstate and federal government entities. Serving as the College'sprimary contact for government matters, the officer pursues public-sector opportunities while collaborating with government stakeholders. The Officer will cultivate and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, government agencies, funding partners, and policymakers to advance the Colleges' strategic priorities and institutional interests. The Officer will work closely with the College's leadership team to constantly assess, refine, and adjust a government relations strategy and will then leverage partnerships to progress the institution forward.

President

None

• Responsible for managing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions as well as campus initiatives designed to advance the mission and priorities of the campus.
• Leads the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. Draft public testimony letters orother official correspondence to elected officials, governmental agencies, rule making bodies, and boards.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with MA legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other MA state institutions of higher education and other related groups. Workwith the Office of the Governor regarding recommendations for the Council of Trustees.
• Disseminate relevant information and data to bolster support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the College and the Commonwealth.
• In collaboration with senior campus leadership, this position shares responsibility for elevating the visibility and public funding for the campus. Monitors and evaluates legislation and regulations impacting the college, creating policy recommendations with the President's Cabinet.
• Act as MCLA's primary contact for major capital project funding with state agencies such as DCAMM, to ensure compliance with proposal processes and heighten MCLA's visibility with those organizations.
• Works diligently and creatively to find government funding sources for College's strategic initiatives.
• Establishes overall strategy for advocacy programs, creating and leveraging partnerships and collaboration opportunities onbehalf of the College.
• Requires a significant presence in Boston throughout the calendar year. Monitors and evaluates legislation and regulations impacting the college, creating policy recommendations with Cabinet.

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in related field preferred
• Higher education experience is desirable
• A minimum 5 + years of government engagement experience
• Demonstrated relationship building with government officials both state and federal
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to quickly react to resource development opportunities in a rapidly changing environment to meet the needs of shifting priorities
• Demonstrated skill in tracking projects from initial identification through conclusion of project or to sustainability
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse…