Director of Government Relations

Apply/Register Job no: 499036
Work type: Staff Full-time
Department: Office of the General Counsel
Location: Wilf Campus, 500 West 185th Street, NY, NY
Categories: Communications/Marketing/Media, Legal, Philanthropy, Safety/Security

The Director of Government Relations is responsible for leading and coordinating the University’s government relations strategy across city, state and federal levels. The Director will build and maintain strong, productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, community leaders and external advisors in order to advance the University’s mission, priorities, funding opportunities, regulatory interests and public profile.

This role serves as the University’s primary point of coordination for government relations matters, ensuring that the University is appropriately positioned to align with government initiatives, respond to policy developments, pursue public‑sector opportunities and represent its interests effectively before government stakeholders.

• Develop, implement and continuously refine a comprehensive government relations strategy that supports the University’s short‑ and long‑term institutional goals.
• Establish, maintain and deepen relationships with key city, state and federal elected officials, government agencies, legislative staff, regulators and relevant public‑sector partners.
• Position the University to align with government priorities, initiatives, programs and opportunities, including funding, policy, workforce development, student support, campus safety, community engagement and higher education initiatives.
• Serve as the central liaison and internal coordinator for government relations matters, working closely with the Senior Vice President of Operations and General Counsel, the President’s Office, academic leadership and administrative units.
• Oversee and coordinate the University’s relationships with its city, state and federal lobbyists, including setting priorities, monitoring performance, facilitating information flow and ensuring accountability for outcomes.
• Track and analyze legislative, regulatory and policy developments that may affect the University, its affiliated schools, students, programs, operations, funding or compliance obligations.
• Advise senior leadership on government relations risks, opportunities, legislative strategy, policy positioning and appropriate engagement with public officials and agencies.
• Identify, pursue and cultivate legislative allies and public‑ and private‑sector partners who can support University priorities, funding needs and strategic initiatives.
• Source, evaluate and help pursue government funding, grant and appropriation opportunities, coordinating with relevant departments to support applications, submissions, compliance requirements and follow‑up.
• Plan, coordinate and support meetings, briefings, site visits and campus visits with government officials, agency representatives and legislative staff, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials and follow‑up action items.
• Represent the University at government, civic, community and political events, meetings, hearings and public forums, as appropriate and in coordination with University leadership.
• Assist the University’s affiliated schools, programs and students with government relations needs and opportunities, including introductions, advocacy support, public‑sector partnerships and issue escalation when appropriate.
• Develop concise briefing materials, talking points, policy summaries, reports, correspondence and presentations for University leaders and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate institutional responses to government inquiries and requests, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely follow‑through in collaboration with appropriate internal offices.
• Maintain appropriate records of government contacts, priorities, meetings, commitments, deliverables and follow‑up items.
• Promote a proactive, professional and mission‑aligned approach to government relations that reflects the University’s values and strengthens its reputation with public officials and agencies.
• Responsible for maintaining and…