Director of Government RelationsJob no: 499036
Work type: Staff Full-time
Department: Office of the General Counsel
Location: Wilf Campus, 500 West 185th Street, NY, NY
Categories: Communications/Marketing/Media, Legal, Philanthropy, Safety/Security
Position Summary: The Director of Government Relations is responsible for leading and coordinating the University's government relations strategy across city, state and federal levels. The Director will build and maintain strong, productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, community leaders and external advisors in order to advance the University's mission, priorities, funding opportunities, regulatory interests and public profile.
This role serves as the University's primary point of coordination for government relations matters, ensuring that the University is appropriately positioned to align with government initiatives, respond to policy developments, pursue public-sector opportunities and represent its interests effectively before government stakeholders.
Position Responsibilities: - Develop, implement and continuously refine a comprehensive government relations strategy that supports the University's short- and long-term institutional goals.
- Establish, maintain and deepen relationships with key city, state and federal elected officials, government agencies, legislative staff, regulators and relevant public-sector partners.
- Position the University to align with government priorities, initiatives, programs and opportunities, including funding, policy, workforce development, student support, campus safety, community engagement and higher education initiatives.
- Serve as the central liaison and internal coordinator for government relations matters, working closely with the Senior Vice President of Operations and General Counsel, the President's Office, academic leadership and administrative units.
- Oversee and coordinate the University's relationships with its city, state and federal lobbyists, including setting priorities, monitoring performance, facilitating information flow and ensuring accountability for outcomes.
- Track and analyze legislative, regulatory and policy developments that may affect the University, its affiliated schools, students, programs, operations, funding or compliance obligations.
- Advise senior leadership on government relations risks, opportunities, legislative strategy, policy positioning and appropriate engagement with public officials and agencies.
- Identify, pursue and cultivate legislative allies and public- and private-sector partners who can support University priorities, funding needs and strategic initiatives.
- Source, evaluate and help pursue government funding, grant and appropriation opportunities, coordinating with relevant departments to support applications, submissions, compliance requirements and follow-up.
- Plan, coordinate and support meetings, briefings, site visits and campus visits with government officials, agency representatives and legislative staff, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials and follow-up action items.
- Represent the University at government, civic, community and political events, meetings, hearings and public forums, as appropriate and in coordination with University leadership.
- Assist the University's affiliated schools, programs and students with government relations needs and opportunities, including introductions, advocacy support, public-sector partnerships and issue escalation when appropriate.
- Develop concise briefing materials, talking points, policy summaries, reports, correspondence and presentations for University leaders and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate institutional responses to government inquiries and requests, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely follow-through in collaboration with appropriate internal offices.
- Maintain appropriate records of government contacts, priorities, meetings, commitments, deliverables and follow-up items.
- Promote a proactive, professional and mission-aligned approach to government relations that reflects the University's values and strengthens its reputation with public officials and agencies.
- Responsible for maintaining and filing all necessary, regulatory documents and lobbying reports.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Senior Vice President of Operations and General Counsel.
Experience & Education Background: - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in law, public policy, public administration, political science, government, higher education administration or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of five years of experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, higher education administration, government service or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience working with city, state and/or federal government officials, agencies, legislative offices, lobbyists or public-sector stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory and budget processes, including the ability to track, interpret and assess policy developments affecting higher education and nonprofit institutions.
- Experience developing and executing strategic plans, managing external relationships and advising senior leaders on complex public-policy or government relations matters.
- Excellent judgment, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive institutional, political or policy matters.
Skills & Competencies: - Strategic, proactive and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and move initiatives from concept to execution.
- Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
- Strong writing, research, analytical and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear recommendations and action steps.
- Political acumen and sound judgment, including the ability to understand stakeholder interests, institutional priorities and reputational considerations.
- Ability to convene stakeholders, build consensus, coordinate across departments and follow through on commitments.
- Knowledge of bill tracking systems, legislative history research, public funding processes and government affairs best practices.
- Demonstrated understanding of the University's mission, values, programs and institutional priorities, or the ability to quickly develop such understanding.
- Willingness and ability to attend events and meetings outside standard business hours and to travel locally, regionally or to government centers as needed.
Salary Range: $150,000-$185,000
Advertised: Jul 6, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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