Director, State Government Relations

Director Of State Relations

The Director Of State Relations advances the University's broad state, county and local government relations agenda. Working closely with the Executive Director Of Government Relations, the Director Of State Government Relations develops and implements the University's governmental and political engagement strategy with state and local elected officials and key policymakers and university stakeholders that benefits and promotes the University. The Director Of State Relations will advise senior university leaders, faculty members and key members of the university community on government affairs impacting the university and higher education more broadly. The Director Of State Government Relations will foster constructive relationships with state officials and engage them in higher education issues specific to the University and public higher education in general. This position builds rapport with other policymakers, business and community figures, and stakeholders to advocate for the education, research, and service mission of UMD. This position will establish and nurture productive relationships with elected and appointed state officials to further promote the flagship mission of UMD. This position will be based in College Park and Annapolis, Maryland with travel to local and other state locations and national conferences as needed. In support of the University's priorities, the Director Of State Relations :

• Collaborates with University leadership to help develop the University's agenda on matters of state legislation, operating and capital budget matters, regulations, and policy, and advocates and clearly communicates those priorities to government officials.
• Operates as the primary contact between elected officials and the University to advocate for policies that advance the educational, research, and service mission of the state's Flagship and Land Grant University.
• Monitors state and county legislative hearings and actions; guides advocacy efforts and testimony; informs University of impact of legislative actions; and prepares communications and briefings to and for key stakeholders regarding pertinent legislative issues.
• Apprises senior leadership and faculty members of pertinent legislative issues, external factors, and policy proposals and actions that could impact the university.
• Serves as a key representative for the university at legislative sessions / workgroups, committee hearings and other relevant events in Annapolis.
• Responds on behalf of the University to state legislative and state regulatory proposals that affect the University, ensuring that the University acts with a single unified voice, including supporting formal testimony at hearings or other appropriate actions.
• Facilitates and arranges interactions between key members of the University community and state governmental officials.
• Establishes and builds excellent relationships with state and local agencies, community representatives and policymakers to provide timely responses, ensuring that the University's interests are well represented.
• Manages and submits responses to state, county and local officials in inquiries regarding general information about the University, policies, and programs.
• Plans and manages events in Annapolis and on campus that involve state, county and local government officials, such as roundtables, tours of campus, and advocacy days in Annapolis.
• Works with the University System of Maryland and its other institutions to collaborate on larger higher education issues.

Preferences :

Physical Demands :

Predominantly works in an office environment. Will require the ability to regularly travel throughout the State of Maryland. Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors. This position will require occasional evening work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience : Ten (10) years of professional experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, or legislative affairs. Five (5) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities :

Knowledge of state and local government structures, legislative processes, and policymaking.

Knowledge of principles and practices of government relations, public policy, and public affairs.

Knowledge of higher education issues, trends, and challenges at the state and local level.

Knowledge of political, social, and economic factors influencing public higher education.

Knowledge of effective advocacy, negotiation, and coalition-building strategies.

Skill in developing and executing government relations and public affairs strategies.

Skill in building and maintaining professional relationships with elected officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

Skill in analyzing complex legislation, policy proposals, and regulatory actions.

Skill in clear and persuasive oral and written communication, including preparation of testimony, policy briefs, and reports.

Skill in representing the University with professionalism and diplomacy.

Ability to advise senior leadership, faculty, and university stakeholders on government and public policy matters.

Ability to navigate a politically sensitive environment while maintaining credibility and trust.

Ability to work collaboratively across internal departments, academic units, and external organizations.

Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all professional matters.