Assistant Vice President Community & Government Affairs

Assistant Vice President Community Benefit & Government Affairs Job Summary

Under the direction of the Office of the President, the Assistant Vice President for Community Benefit & Government Affairs (AVP) will advance Western University of Health Sciences priorities through strategy development and implementation, including partnership development and community benefit programs. The AVP will ensure these strategies align with the university’s commitment to improving community health by providing direct services to vulnerable populations and partnering with government and local organizations.

• Community engagement practices, community benefit frameworks, and population health strategies, including social determinants of health and health equity principles.
• Government relations processes, including legislative and regulatory environments at local, state, and federal levels.
• Higher education and academic health system environments, including mission alignment and stakeholder engagement dynamics.
• Public‑private partnerships, philanthropy, and external funding mechanisms, including grants and government contracts.
• Cross‑sector collaboration models involving nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, government entities, and community‑based partners.
• Strategic planning methodologies, program evaluation techniques, and impact measurement frameworks.

• Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills, translating institutional priorities into measurable external initiatives.
• Advanced relationship management and partnership development skills, successfully engaging diverse stakeholders and building trust across sectors.
• Strong communication skills, including executive‑level writing, public speaking, and tailoring messaging to varied audiences.
• Skilled in policy analysis and advocacy, synthesizing complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
• Financial and resource development acumen, identifying, securing, and stewarding funding opportunities.
• Advanced leadership and team management skills, leading cross‑functional teams and influencing without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, assessing complex systems and identifying leverage points for change.
• Proficiency in project and program management, managing multiple high‑impact initiatives simultaneously.

• Operate effectively at an executive level, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen in complex and sensitive environments.
• Build and sustain high‑impact partnerships across diverse constituencies, including community leaders, elected officials, and institutional stakeholders.
• Navigate and influence complex policy and regulatory landscapes to advance organizational priorities.
• Lead systems‑level change initiatives that improve community outcomes and advance institutional mission.
• Represent the University with credibility and professionalism in public forums, governmental settings, and community engagements.
• Manage competing priorities and adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Interpret data, trends, and community needs to inform decision‑making and strategy development.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative environment, working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

• Master’s degree in human development, psychology, public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in community engagement, government affairs, public affairs, nonprofit management, healthcare, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing multi‑faced external affairs or community impact strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Proven experience building, managing, and sustaining cross‑sector partnerships (e.g., nonprofit, public sector, healthcare systems, philanthropy).
• Experience overseeing or collaborating with government relations functions, including policy strategy, legislative engagement, or…