Director of Government Relations; Onsite

Director of Government Relations (Onsite)

Hiring Range: $140,000- $160,000 (based on qualifications).

Job Closing Date: Initial applicant review begins July 13th, 2026. Posting remains open until filled.

This position is fully onsite. It requires a valid California Driver's License and participation in the University's DMV Pull Program.

The University of California, Merced is the newest of the ten UC campuses and an R1 research university. It serves approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, strong research partnerships, and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Ranked in the top 30 among public universities by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is recognized for social mobility and is committed to sustainability, community engagement, and advancing research and education.

Under the guidance of the Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff, the Director of Government Relations serves as the lead strategist and coordinator for UC Merced's government relations, public policy, and advocacy activities. The Director works closely with campus leadership to identify institutional priorities, assess legislative and regulatory opportunities and risks, and develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies that advance the university's mission and strategic objectives.

The Director builds, maintains, and strengthens relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and their staff, government agencies, community partners, higher education associations, stakeholder organizations, and other constituencies. As a trusted advisor, the Director monitors legislative and regulatory developments, analyzes their potential impact, and develops and implements strategies to advance institutional priorities and mitigate risk through outreach and advocacy.

The Director collaborates across the university to raise awareness of legislative, budgetary, and public policy issues affecting higher education and research. The position develops and coordinates engagement opportunities for campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders to support advocacy efforts and strengthen relationships with policymakers.

The Director develops and implements communications strategies that support government relations and public affairs objectives, including creating and managing advocacy-related communications, digital and social media content, briefing materials, newsletters, reports, presentations, and other messaging designed to inform, engage, and activate internal and external audiences.

The Director serves as a liaison between UC Merced, the UC Office of the President, Federal and State Government Relations offices, elected officials and staff, governmental agencies, and community partners, ensuring alignment of advocacy efforts and promoting a consistent, strategic voice on issues of importance to the university.

• Government Relations Strategy and Advocacy – Develops and implements comprehensive government relations and advocacy strategies, identifies legislative and regulatory opportunities and risks, and coordinates university engagement with policymakers to support UC Merced’s mission and strategic objectives. Monitors, researches, and analyzes legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments, advises campus leadership on emerging issues, and develops recommendations to advance institutional interests and mitigate risk.
• Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement – Builds and strengthens relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, higher education associations, community organizations, and other strategic stakeholders and represents the university in meetings, coalitions, and public events to advance visibility, reputation, and influence.
• Campus Advocacy and Constituent Engagement – Collaborates with campus leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to build awareness of legislative and public policy issues and coordinates advocacy initiatives and engagement activities that strengthen relationships with…