Executive Director for State Government Relations and Special Assistant to the President

Company: The Rector & Visitors of the University of Vir
Location: Charlottesville
Posted on: June 7, 2021

Job Description:

The Executive Director for State Government Relations and Special Assistant to the President plays an integral role in advancing the University's priorities and representing the University's position on issues with Virginia legislators and state government officials. This position cultivates and fosters bipartisan alliances to address state issues of importance to the University and serves as a liaison between the University and state officials and agencies. The Executive Director will advise the President, the Senior Vice President for Operations and State Government Relations, and executive leadership of the University on state governmental issues and, in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President for Operations, will assist with the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. This position reports to the Senior Vice President with a dotted line to the President. This position requires an extensive presence in Richmond throughout the year, especially during the General Assembly Session. Periodic visits to legislators in their home districts, as well as occasional attendance at meetings and events in Charlottesville, are required.Key PrioritiesDevelop and implement the University's state legislative strategy developed in consultation with the President, Senior Vice President, and executive leadership.Successfully advocate for the University on key state issues.Cultivate relationships with Virginia legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other Virginia institutions of higher education and other related groups.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and expand the University's relationships with state legislators, officials, and agencies in order to strengthen the University's ability to deliver educational, research, and healthcare programs in support of its mission, and to promote the University's participation in economic development initiatives.Effectively represent and advocate the University's position on issues and legislation affecting higher education and heighten awareness of the University's contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation.Keep the Senior Vice President, President, and other members of the University's leadership team apprised of activities, issues, and concerns from parties in state government.Meet with state legislators and testify before legislative committees as necessary to convey the University's position.Disseminate relevant information and data to bolster support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the Commonwealth and the University.Monitor relevant legislative and state activities during the General Assembly session and throughout the year.Partner with other Virginia public colleges and universities, as well as other related groups such as the Virginia Business Higher Education Council and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, to advance higher education and healthcare priorities.Provide high-level information and analysis to members of the University's leadership team about state matters that are critical to the University's mission and assist the President and leadership in developing a comprehensive legislative agenda and strategy.Meet and build relationships with designated University officials as needed to share information about recent activities and emerging issues to assure that all efforts are coordinated.Manage a small high-performing team in the Richmond Office committed to advancing the University's position on state-related issues.Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate possesses a demonstrated record of creative, inspiring, and accomplished leadership in complex environments with the highest level of commitment to advancing the organization's goals.While no single individual will possess all the desired experiences and qualifications, the successful candidate will possess many of the following attributes:Professional ExperienceConsiderable experience working with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, and their staffs.Demonstrated understanding of the legislative and budget processes and key policy issues facing higher education in Virginia.Management experience leading a team is preferred.Ability to mobilize support for institutional legislative, operating, and capital priorities.Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all levels of an organization and within state government.Working knowledge of higher education institution structure and functions.Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages.Education and LicensureA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. An advanced degree is terpersonal CharacteristicsExceptional personal and professional integrity;Thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative;High level of personal self-confidence with genuine humility;An excellent verbal and written communicator;Excellent presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages;Strong interpersonal skills by navigating relationships with high level of emotional intelligence;Establish and maintain working relationships with diverse constituencies at all levels.Proven track record of confidentiality and exercising discretion.To Apply or Nominate:To learn more about this opportunity, please visit should include a resume and letter of interest. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality; candidates will be notified before references are contacted. To be officially considered for this position, all applicants must apply through the Workday portal at confidential inquiries or to nominate someone for this opportunity, please contact Susan Gaines with the University of Virginia's Executive Search Group, at University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

Keywords: The Rector & Visitors of the University of Vir, Charlottesville , Executive Director for State Government Relations and Special Assistant to the President, Other , Charlottesville, Virginia