Vice President for Government Relations and Community Engagement – Office of the Senior Vice President and COO

Georgetown University Overview

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Vice President for Government Relations and Community Engagement – Office of the Senior Vice President and COO – Georgetown University

Job Overview

Georgetown University seeks a strategic and experienced leader to serve as Vice President for Government Relations, Community Engagement, & Strategic Partnerships. This senior-level role is responsible for advancing the university’s priorities at the local, regional, national, and global levels.

The Vice President, with the support of an established team, will lead and coordinate Georgetown’s engagement with the federal government, the District of Columbia government, and other governmental bodies across the Washington Metropolitan Area. Additionally, they will oversee the university’s relationships with local residents, community stakeholders, and other strategic partners, for our Hilltop and Capitol Campuses and learning centers throughout DC and the broader region, as well as supporting international partnerships, including those at Georgetown’s Doha campus.

This position requires a deep understanding of government relations, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to enhance and successfully advance Georgetown’s role as a civic and academic leader. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of navigating complex political landscapes, building coalitions, fostering meaningful collaborations, and identifying and growing strategic relationships that align with the university’s mission, priorities, and long-term objectives.

As Georgetown continues to expand its existing commitment to community engagement and developing impactful and long-term cross-sector partnerships, this role will play a pivotal part in shaping and strengthening relationships across three interconnected areas:

• Government Relations: Managing relationships with the DC government, federal agencies, embassies, and elected officials to advance the university’s policy and legislative priorities.
• Campus & Community Relations: Overseeing local neighborhood engagement for Georgetown’s Hilltop campus, supporting sustainable growth for the Capitol Campus, and fostering global partnerships at the Doha campus.
• Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives: Cultivating and maintaining proactive relationships with corporate, civic, and nonprofit partners to enhance and expand Georgetown’s mission and impact.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in all three areas, with a specific vision for and a strong track record of building and sustaining strategic partnerships. This role will work with and build upon the significant progress made by the existing team and further Georgetown’s position as a recognized leader in community engagement and government relations.

Work Interactions

This position reports to the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and is a member of the leadership team in the Office of the COO. The position has 3 direct reports – an Engagement Coordinator, an Associate Vice President for Federal Relations, and an Associate Vice President of Community Engagement and Local Government Affairs, each who manages and oversees their own team.

This position interacts at the highest levels of the federal and local government, as well as with community organizations, specifically including the neighborhood leadership of the Georgetown Community Partnership (GCP). This position will also have increased engagement with the community and neighborhoods near the university’s Capitol Campus, as that campus continues its growth and development. This position will also work closely with the leadership of the university, most closely coordinating with the Office of the COO and colleagues in University Services (including the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Compliance and Ethics, Communications and Public Affairs), but also regularly engaging with leaders and staff/faculty across the university’s academic campuses (Main Campus, Law Center, and Medical Center).

Requirements and Qualifications

• A proven track record in government relations, public affairs, or a related field, with at least 10+ years (15 years preferred) of demonstrated experience in progressively senior roles.
• Deep understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and local levels, particularly in Washington, DC, and an ability to work both at a hyperlocal and global level.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives.
• Strong leadership, team-building, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent the university effectively in high-profile settings.
• Familiarity with higher education policy and an appreciation for Georgetown’s mission and values.

This role presents a unique opportunity to lead Georgetown University’s efforts in government relations and community engagement, driving impactful partnerships and advancing the institution’s established commitment to civic leadership.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as on-campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Pay Range

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:

$250,000.00 – $290,000.00

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

Apply here