Executive Director for Government Relations

The Opportunity

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) seeks a strategic and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director for Government Relations, a role that stands at the intersection of public purpose and the university’s enduring commitment to service and impact. As the chief architect of VCU’s government relations strategy, this leader will forge influential partnerships, shape public policy, and elevate the university’s voice on issues that matter.

Position Summary

The Executive Director for Government Relations is a key leadership role responsible for advancing the strategic interests of VCU and VCU Health across local, state, and federal levels of government. This role serves as a primary liaison between the university, health system, and government officials, advocating for policies, public funding and legislation that support the institution’s missions in education, research, healthcare, and economic development. The role requires strategic vision, deep policy expertise, and a collaborative spirit to engage both internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, with a dotted line to the VCU President, the Executive Director advises senior leadership, including the VCU President and VCU Health CEO, on governmental matters and develops comprehensive strategies to enhance public sector engagement and support.

This position also leads a dedicated team of government relations professionals and plays a pivotal role in fostering bipartisan relationships and coalitions to advance solutions to critical issues impacting the university and health system.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic legislative and executive branch agendas in alignment with the priorities of VCU and VCU Health.
• Advocate effectively for institutional interests on key higher education and healthcare policy issues at all levels of government.
• Deep understanding of legislative, regulatory, and political processes, with proven ability to cultivate and sustain strong relationships with state and federal legislators, senior government administrators, local government representatives, and key stakeholders.
• Represent VCU and VCU Health before legislative committees and other public forums, including providing testimony and position statements.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education and healthcare throughout the year, and advise leadership accordingly.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the VCU President, VCU Health CEO, and other senior leaders, providing timely insights and recommendations on policy and political matters.
• Collaborate with other institutions of higher education, health systems, and associations to align on shared goals and enhance advocacy efforts.
• Disseminate relevant data, reports, and policy updates to internal stakeholders to support decision-making and external communications.
• Ensure coordination across university and health system units on governmental affairs, ensuring a unified and strategic approach.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a government relations team, fostering a high-performance and mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

Professional Experience

• Experience in Virginia government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs, preferably within higher education, healthcare, or a similarly complex sector.
• Proven understanding of legislative and budget processes at the state and federal levels.
• Demonstrated success in influencing public policy and building bipartisan support for institutional priorities.
• Prior experience managing a team and working cross-functionally with executive leadership.
• Established relationships with legislative and executive branch officials are highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Established and effective relationships with Virginia government officials at the regional, state, and federal levels of government.
• Proven understanding of Virginia legislative and budget processes and those at the federal level.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; an advanced degree in public policy, law, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and deliver compelling messages.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex political environments, influence others and build consensus.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acumen, and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Proactive communicator with internal stakeholders, ensuring awareness of potential actions/legislation impacting VCU operations and mission.
• Ability to set a leadership example with a deep commitment to ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative leadership style with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across various stakeholder groups.
• Proven team leadership which includes setting and clearly communicating performance expectations, ensuring performance accountability, and effectively managing performance-related matters.

Personal Characteristics

• Effective at fostering cooperative partnerships with varied stakeholders.
• Highly ethical and reasoned judgement, integrity, and discretion.
• A collaborative, transparent, and consultative approach to leadership.
• Ability to balance confidence with humility.
• Strong organizational awareness and ability to align governmental affairs with institutional missions.
• A quick learner who is adept at synthesizing information and sharing it as appropriate in a way that it is easily understood.

Apply here