Executive Director of Governmental and External Affairs

Executive Director Of Governmental And External Affairs

The Executive Director of Governmental and External Affairs serves as the University's chief liaison for governmental relations, policy implementation, strategic external partnerships, and legislative initiatives. Reporting to the President, the Executive Director develops and advances strategies that strengthen the University's relationships with state, regional, and local stakeholders while supporting institutional priorities through partnership development and strategic engagement. The Executive Director monitors legislative and regulatory issues affecting higher education, coordinates the University's governmental affairs strategy, assists senior leadership in developing external partnerships, and works collaboratively with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research to develop grant funding and advance funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.

The position serves as a trusted advisor to University leadership on matters involving higher education policy, governmental affairs, strategic communications, and external engagement.

Governmental Affairs

• Assists University leadership in cultivating and supporting relationships with state, regional, and local elected officials and governmental agencies.
• Assists University leadership in cultivating and supporting relationships with the Louisiana Legislature, congressional delegation, Board of Regents, University of Louisiana System, and other governmental entities.
• Coordinate the activities surrounding legislative priorities and funding initiatives, including capital outlay, operating appropriations, research initiatives, and special funding requests.
• Monitor state legislation, regulations, and public policy affecting higher education and advise University leadership regarding potential impacts.
• Assist University leadership in implementing university actions in response to new legislation, regulations, and policy changes affecting institutional operations.
• Prepare policy briefs, legislative updates, issue analyses, and executive briefing materials.

External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships

• Support University Leadership in developing and strengthening strategic partnerships that advance the University's mission throughout Northeast Louisiana and beyond.
• Serve as the primary liaison with community organizations, such as school districts, parish governments, municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, business and industry leaders, and regional partners.
• Identify collaborative opportunities that support enrollment, workforce development, research, economic development, and community engagement.
• Foster partnerships that enhance the University's visibility, reputation, and regional impact.
• Represent the University at community, governmental, and external stakeholder meetings and events.

Research, Grants, and Strategic Initiatives

• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research to identify and communicate federal, state, foundation, and private funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Participate actively in grant development and grant submission to provide resources for strategic university initiatives.
• Assist faculty, staff, and administrators in developing governmental and external partnerships while supporting grant development and grant writing to strengthen the competitiveness of funding proposals.
• Support strategic initiatives that expand research capacity, workforce development, innovation, and economic development.
• Coordinate governmental engagement related to major grant opportunities and research initiatives.

Executive Leadership Support

• Advise the President and executive leadership on governmental affairs, public policy, and external engagement strategies.
• Coordinate institutional responses to emerging governmental and policy issues.
• Facilitate communication among University leadership regarding governmental initiatives and partnership opportunities.
• Support presidential initiatives requiring collaboration among governmental agencies, community organizations, and external stakeholders.

Strategic Communications

• Develop messaging and communication materials related to legislative priorities, governmental initiatives, and external partnerships.
• Coordinate with the Office of Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging regarding governmental affairs and institutional priorities.
• Assist in preparing speeches, presentations, briefing materials, talking points, and reports for executive leadership on matters related to governmental affairs.
• Support strategic communications related to public policy and governmental initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain awareness of national and regional trends affecting higher education, workforce development, research, and public funding.
• Participate in professional organizations related to higher education governmental affairs and external…