Director of Government and Community Relations (52386)
$161,491–$161,491 year
On-siteLas Vegas, Nevada, United States or Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States
Job Summary
Develop and implement a comprehensive governmental relations strategy aligned with institutional priorities, serving as the primary liaison to elected officials, tribal governments, and federal agencies. Coordinate the annual legislative agenda, monitor policy trends, and lead advocacy efforts during legislative sessions, including testimony and meetings with policymakers. Advise the President on emerging issues and prepare executive briefings, speeches, and policy analyses to advance University priorities through legislation and public-private partnerships. Cultivate relationships with municipalities, community stakeholders, and tribal nations while representing the University at regional events. Collaborate with divisions across the institution to ensure consistent external messaging and support crisis response involving public policy issues.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public affairs, public policy, higher education administration, governmental affairs, communications, or a related field
- Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with governmental officials, community leaders, and external stakeholders
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the University's vehicle insurance policy
- Ability to travel extensively throughout New Mexico and occasionally outside the state
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during legislative sessions and other periods of institutional need
- Thorough knowledge of New Mexico governmental, legislative, and regulatory processes
- Strong understanding of higher education policy, finance, governance, and public funding
- Exceptional political judgment, diplomacy, professionalism, and discretion
- Ability to build productive relationships across diverse political, governmental, tribal, educational, and community constituencies
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
- Commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration, and public service
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Higher Education Administration, Law, Communications, or a closely related field
- Experience working in or with a public institution of higher education
- Experience working with the New Mexico Legislature or other governmental entities
- Experience working collaboratively with tribal governments
- Demonstrated success securing legislative appropriations, governmental funding, or strategic public partnerships
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.