Vice President for Government Relations

Position Summary

The Vice President for Government Relations is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and effective management of the University’s state, local, and federal government relations. The vice president reports to the president of the University and serves as a member of the president’s cabinet and key partner to University leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage a coordinated strategy for the University of Minnesota system to cultivate and manage relationships with elected leaders, stakeholders, and constituencies at the federal, state, and local levels with a goal to articulate the University’s priorities and increase support of the University’s mission
• Represent the University’s interests at the State Capitol, with Congress and the federal Executive Branch, State Government agencies including the Governor, before local units of government, and community organizations and campus neighbors
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy issues at the state and federal levels
• Serve as the University’s lead advocate at the state and federal levels in support of the land-grant mission, academic excellence, unique value, and economic impact
• Engage University leaders, faculty, students, staff, and alumni as appropriate, in advocacy efforts
• Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with national higher education policy and advocacy groups and associations (e.g., AAU, APLU, etc.)
• Provide management and leadership of the University’s Government & Community Relations team
• Development and oversight of annual budget for Government & Community Relations
• Oversee all University of Minnesota legislatively mandated/required reports

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 15 years of professional experience
• Solid understanding of the state, federal legislative, and executive processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of professionals with a broad range of portfolios
• Track record of success in legislative advocacy and persuasion
• Ability to set a strategic vision and create public affairs plans and strategies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and effective partnerships
• Excellent oral, writing, and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to mobilize diverse constituent groups and balance competing demands, priorities, and needs of multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple, diverse constituencies
• Experience with crisis and issues management
• Demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, integrity, and flexibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Experience working in a complex, decentralized environment
• Experience developing and leading successful legislative strategies in Minnesota and Washington DC
• Understanding of the breadth and complexity of a major research university

Pay Range

$350,000 – $425,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category

100% Appointment

Position Type

Faculty and P&A Staff

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/368931

Applications must be submitted online using the University of Minnesota employment portal. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area