Executive Director Government Relations

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university’s signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG’s Dahlonega Campus.

The Executive Director for Government Relations  is responsible for directing the University of North Georgia’s government affairs strategy that supports the University’s strategy. Reporting to the President, the individual in this position develops and implements a long-term strategy and function for an effective, strategic partnership with federal, state, and local officials and agencies. Included in this approach is to develop and provide communications support on public policy matters for UNG and to support University System of Georgia (USG) personnel as needed regarding legislative affairs. The position is also tasked with leading the team’s efforts to work with federal, state, regional, and local organizations and businesses looking to partner in workforce and community development initiatives to build stronger communities and embrace them as a place to live, work and thrive.

• University Government Relations Lead
  • Serve as a UNG representative, establish relationships and collaborate with federal, state, regional and local elected officials, community organizations, and industry to advocate on behalf of UNG programs and priorities.
  • In consultation with the University’s Senior Leadership, develop and share key messages to government audiences to clearly define and communicate the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
  • Maintain a high level of awareness among governmental leaders about the University’s performance, results and needs
  • Maximize federal funding opportunities and coordinate UNG’s activities relating to federal grant funding, appropriations, legislation, policy development and other activities important to UNG’s strategy
  • Engage university stakeholders, elected officials, government agencies and community stakeholders in activities and issues important to the University’s success.
• Legislative Agenda and Tracking
  • In consultation with the University’s Senior Leadership, develop the University’s legislative agenda and implement action plans that require governmental, legislative and community support to advance the institution’s priorities.
  • Identify issues and designs strategies for the legislative sessions in conjunction with the President.
  • Actively support any legislation of interest to the University and monitor development and passage of the University’s operating and capital budgets
  • Track key pieces of federal and state legislation and policy issues that impact higher education or UNG, specifically.
  • Maintain communication with and provide updates to stakeholders at the University of North Georgia during the legislative process.
• Executive Advisor, Collaboration, and Relationship Building 
  • Advise the President on governmental, policy, and legislative issues.
  • Partner with senior leadership, president’s cabinet and deans as a thought partner to develop, implement, and asses government relations strategy and function.
  • Serve as key liaison with university leadership, faculty and staff regarding all legislative issues or actions.
    Cultivate external strategic partnerships that support the university’s goals and strategies.
  • Establishes relationships with officials of the University System of Georgia, other university system institutions, and local, state, and federal government units.
  • Represent the President and University as assigned at internal and external meetings and events.
• Functional Unit Management
  • Responsible for all other government and legislative related activities, as assigned
  • Maintaining office budget.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
  • Respond to external reporting requirements with government and other entities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of the Georgia legislative process
• Educated on relevant workforce trends in the state and service area
• Expertise in the legislative process and strong analytical skills
• Outstanding written, interpersonal and communications skills
• Ability to identify trends in government relations and communicate these to the UNG leadership team
• Ability and willingness to understand the unique culture of public higher education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or other relevant major required.
• A minimum of eight years of progressive experience working in the government arena, as an advocate, working for an official, or other comparable experience.

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

• Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

• Position of Trust + Education & Credit