Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations

Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations

Join to apply for the Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations role at UT Health San Antonio

The Senior Vice President (SVP) for Governmental Relations serves as the chief strategist and primary liaison between UT San Antonio and local, state, and federal government entities. UT San Antonio is a very large comprehensive research university comprised of a large general academic institution combined with a large health related institution and a health system. The SVP oversees all governmental relations intelligence, develops, directs, and executes a comprehensive governmental relations and advocacy strategy that advances the institution’s academic, research, health, and community missions.

The SVP leads efforts to secure legislative and regulatory support, enhance the institution’s visibility and credibility with policymakers, and shape public policy in ways that strengthen UT San Antonio’s long‑term priorities. The SVP serves as the chief integrator of relevant information collected at the local, state, and federal level and acts as architect for engagement with the San Antonio City Council, Bexar County Commissioner’s Court, the State Legislature and Executive Branch, and Congress.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive governmental relations strategy aligned with UT San Antonio’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, prepare impact analyses, and advise executive leadership on emerging opportunities and risks.
• Build, sustain, and strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, agency leaders, and public sector stakeholders.
• Represent the institution at legislative hearings, public forums, and governmental meetings.
• Serve as the university’s primary point of contact for governmental inquiries and engagement.
• Collaborate with internal leaders to identify policy issues affecting the institution and develop actionable advocacy positions.
• Conduct analysis of legislation and regulations, prepare policy briefs, impact assessments, and recommendations.
• Draft position papers, testimony, legislative proposals, and official correspondence articulating the institution’s positions.
• Partner with university leaders, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment of advocacy efforts across the institution.
• Educate internal stakeholders about government relations initiatives, policy implications, and advocacy strategies.
• Develop communication materials to articulate institutional priorities to policymakers, community leaders, and external audiences.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements, ethics rules, and governmental reporting obligations.
• Maintain comprehensive records of governmental relations activities and interactions.
• Provide regular briefings to the President, Cabinet, and governing bodies on advocacy activities and outcomes; prepare annual reports summarizing efforts and achievements.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of governmental relations professionals who engage and liaise with local, regional, state, and national political leaders, elected officials, and key influencers to advance UT San Antonio’s strategic initiatives and institutional priorities.

• Master’s degree in Public Administration (MP), Public Policy (MPP), Law (JD), Political Science, Higher Education Leadership, or related discipline preferred.
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with members of the UT San Antonio President’s Cabinet as a high‑functioning team member.
• Deep knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, appropriations cycles, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of public higher education dynamics, funding models, academic and research issues, and community impact.
• Has particular expertise at the state level in shaping opportunities to strategically benefit the institution, UTS, and the State of Texas.
• Exceptional political judgment, diplomacy, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze legislation, regulations, and public policy issues.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability…