Executive Director of Government Relations

Executive Director of Government Relations

Join to apply for the Executive Director of Government Relations role at California State University, Fresno

Compensation And Benefits The anticipated hiring salary range is $150,000 - $185,000 per year. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position. The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in CalPERS, sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees can also participate in the fee waiver education program.

Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director of Government Relations directs and oversees Fresno State’s governmental relations activities in consultation with the President, Vice President for Administration, campus leadership and in close coordination with the CSU Chancellor’s Office. The role plans and executes a proactive government relations strategy that advances Fresno State’s mission and goals at local, regional, state and federal levels.

The Executive Director manages complex legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions and campus initiatives to elevate visibility and public funding. Success requires the ability to pivot quickly, remain flexible, and work collaboratively across campus and the CSU.

• Detailed knowledge of the California Legislature, Executive Branch, and state higher education operations.
• Experience in policy making and political arenas.
• Understanding of California’s educational systems including CSU.
• Awareness of higher education current issues and challenges.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Strong interpersonal skills (high EQ), successful negotiation and persuasion.
• Strong oral presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Political acumen enabling sound independent judgments in interactions with constituents.

• Analyze state and national trends, issues and political developments impacting the university.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing, facilitate open discussions, and collaborate with multiple constituencies.
• Write clear and concise reports.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a legislative or higher education office.

• Master’s Degree in public policy, public administration or comparable graduate degree.
• Strong working relationship with key government personnel influencing Fresno State issues.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the Fresno State Vision Statement and core values.
• Experience working with a diverse and multicultural population and performing community services.

With its local focus and global impact, Fresno State is recognized as a model for advancing social, economic and environmental progress regionally, nationally, and globally by providing an accessible, transformative education; conducting research on critical issues; and producing a generation of diverse leaders.

Applications received by November 23, 2025 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date may be forwarded at the hiring manager’s or search committee’s request. Please click “Apply Now” to complete the application. Applicants must submit a résumé/vitae, a cover letter addressing qualifications and interest, and contact information for three professional references.

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, and covered veteran status.

Fresno State’s commitment to diversity informs…