Director of Governmental Affairs

Overview

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. Western

U is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. Western

U fosters humanism at the heart of every interaction and encourages collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to design a better future in health sciences.

Position Title:

Director of Governmental Affairs

Position Control Number: A03053

Type of Position:
Administration

Position Status:
Full-time

Department: 1100-Office of the President

Campus:
Western University Campus-Lebanon, OR

Position Location:

WesternU

Under the general direction of the Office of the President, the Government Affairs Director serves as a key leader in advancing Western

U’s public policy and advocacy priorities across Oregon. The Director leads strategic engagement with government entities, elected officials, and policy stakeholders to enhance Western

U’s visibility, influence, and impact. This position also collaborates with internal departments and external partners to promote initiatives aligned with Western

U’s mission, values, and community health priorities.

• Lead Western
  
  U’s advocacy strategies at the local, state, and federal levels in Oregon.
• Cultivate relationships with legislators, regulatory agencies, higher education associations, and healthcare policy leaders.
• Monitor and analyze legislation and regulatory proposals impacting higher education, healthcare workforce development, and academic medical institutions.
• Develop and advance Western
  
  U’s positions on key issues, including drafting letters, testimony, policy briefs, and advocacy materials.
• Represent the university in statewide coalitions and policy advisory groups.
• Oversee and coordinate all lobbying activities across the institution to ensure compliance and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Coordinate unified messaging and policy alignment across both states.
• Collaborate with internal leadership to ensure government affairs efforts integrate with community benefit goals and institutional priorities.
• Advise the AVP on emerging opportunities and policy risks across jurisdictions.

• Prepare regular policy updates, legislative trackers, and briefings for institutional leadership.
• Draft talking points, memos, and briefing packets for executive leadership ahead of legislative or agency meetings.
• Support institutional grant applications and funding proposals requiring public affairs narratives or government alignment.

• Build partnerships with community-based organizations, associations, and advocacy groups to promote shared legislative goals.
• Represent Western
  
  U at external meetings and events, often as the lead liaison to public officials.
• Organize legislative visits, campus tours, and advocacy days to foster understanding of Western
  
  U’s impact.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, public health, or related field.

Experience or Training:

• Minimum 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or policy advocacy.
• 3 or more years of supervisory/managerial experience.

Special Requirements , Licenses, and

Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license and a clean driving record as documented by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Education:

• Master’s degree in public policy, political science, law, public health, or related field.

• Work Schedule:
  
  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri; some weekends and evenings. Travel may be required.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive and flexible benefits to address diverse employee needs, and a focus on work-life harmony. Additional benefits include:

• 100% focus on student success for faculty, staff, and administrators.
• A nurturing and supportive University culture.
• Opportunities to build deep, personal relationships within the University community.
• Support for authentic self-expression…