Director of Government Relations; Onsite

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced reasonably expects to pay $140,000‑$160,000 for this position.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 13, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is fully onsite.

This position requires a valid California Driver’s License and participation in the University’s DMV Pull Program.

Under the guidance of and in consultation with 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 and goals, 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 is responsible for building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and their staff, government agencies, community partners, higher education associations, stakeholder organizations, and other internal and external constituencies. Serving as a trusted advisor to campus leadership on public policy matters, the Director monitors legislative and regulatory developments, analyzes their potential impact on the university, and develops and implements strategies to advance institutional priorities and mitigate risk through outreach and advocacy with government officials and staff, community leaders, stakeholder groups, and partner organizations.

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 and key influencers.

The Director develops and implements communications strategies that support government relations and public affairs objectives, in close coordination with External Relations. This includes 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 around institutional priorities and policy initiatives.

The Director serves as a key liaison between UC Merced, the UC Office of the President, Federal Government Relations, 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. The position may represent the university in meetings, coalitions, community forums, and public events and facilitates positive relationships that advance UC Merced’s visibility, reputation, and influence at the local, state, and federal levels.

Assignments frequently involve highly complex, politically sensitive, and high‑profile issues requiring independent judgment, strategic thinking, diplomacy, and exceptional relationship‑management skills.

• Government Relations Strategy and Advocacy:
  In consultation with the Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff and campus leadership, develops and implements comprehensive government relations and advocacy strategies to advance institutional priorities; identifies legislative, regulatory, budget opportunities and risks; develops policy positions and advocacy plans; coordinates university engagement with policymakers and governmental agencies; monitors, researches, and analyzes developments; advises campus leadership; develops confidential analyses and recommendations concerning labour relations and bargaining objectives.
• Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement:
  Builds, maintains, and strengthens productive relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and staff, governmental agencies,…