Associate or Senior Associate Director for State Government Relations

Position Summary

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Associate or Senior Associate Director for State Government Relations. This position supports UVA’s mission of teaching, research, health care, and public service by advancing the university’s strategic priorities in Virginia through fundraising, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires an extensive presence in Richmond, especially during the General Assembly, with periodic visits to legislators’ districts and meetings in Charlottesville.

• Implement UVA’s state legislative strategy.
• Advocate for the university on key state issues.
• Build and sustain relationships with Virginia legislative and executive branch officials and other higher‑education institutions.

• Attend and monitor state meetings, commissions, and committees to assess their impact on UVA and the College at Wise.
• Maintain a calendar of state meetings and distribute meeting summaries or reports to stakeholders.
• Leverage existing relationships with legislators and aides while cultivating new contacts.
• Assist in developing and executing strategies to advance the university’s legislative, budget, and capital priorities.
• Coordinate meetings with legislators and state officials in Richmond, legislative districts, at the College at Wise, and other university functions.
• Research and maintain an updated list of alumni, faculty, and staff serving on commissions, boards, the General Assembly, and executive staff.
• Collaborate with other university organizations that interact with state legislative and executive officials.
• Follow up on constituent requests from legislators or other government officials.
• Serve as liaison to students, faculty, and staff, providing outreach assistance.
• Conduct research and analysis for documents, reports, and presentations.
• Draft internal and external correspondence, executive summaries, and talking points.

The successful candidate demonstrates creative, inspiring, and accomplished leadership in complex environments and a strong commitment to advancing the university’s goals.

• Experience working with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, and their staff.
• Understanding of the legislative and budget processes and key policy issues facing higher education in Virginia.
• Ability to mobilize support for institutional legislative, operating, and capital priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all levels.
• Knowledge of higher‑education institution structure and functions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to deliver concise, compelling messages.
• Track record of confidentiality and discretion.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity.
• Thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative approach.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years for Associate Director; 8+ years for Senior Associate Director; experience with Virginia state government strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of a desktop computer. The role may also require occasional travel.

• Exempt-level, benefited position.
• Restricted position, contingent on funding availability.
• Headquartered in Richmond, VA, with a substantial presence in Charlottesville throughout the year.
• Hybrid schedule combining in‑person and remote work is available; on‑site presence required for key meetings and events.

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates requiring immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.