Vice President for Government Relations

The University of Minnesota (the University or UMN) – one of the most prestigious comprehensive, public land-grant research universities in the nation – seeks a strategic, creative, collaborative, and dynamic leader to serve as its first Vice President for Government Relations (VPGR). The Vice President will join the University at an exciting moment in time and will help shape its next chapter. Under the leadership of University President, Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, a new strategic plan and roadmap for the future will be introduced this year, and the University is poised to deepen its commitment to research, teaching, and service, open access to opportunity, and innovation to advance its land-grant mission and further expand its impact nationally and internationally. The Vice President will deepen ties and support with the University’s local, state, and federal government stakeholders – elected officials, policymakers, and influencers – in the collective effort to advance the institution’s mission and strategic priorities.

Amid rapidly shifting public policy landscapes in higher education, the VPGR will play a pivotal role in articulating the University’s value and strategy, securing essential resources, engaging and inspiring action among a broad array of stakeholders, and strengthening public trust in the University of Minnesota.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s cabinet, the inaugural Vice President for Government Relations will lead the University’s engagement with federal, state, and local governments, as well as community stakeholders. The successful candidate should have the demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest and should ideally bring a proven ability to build strategic partnerships that advance higher education initiatives in different geographic and political perspectives. The Vice President will lead an experienced team of government relations experts to develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance the University’s mission and priorities.

The Vice President will serve as the University’s chief representative to elected officials and agencies and serve as the institution’s liaison to several national higher education organizations. The position also oversees compliance with legislative reporting requirements and engages internal University constituents in public policy efforts. The VPGR will have the rare opportunity to be the voice and lead governmental partner representing one of the nation’s premier public research universities.

To Apply

The University of Minnesota has retained Isaacson, Miller, a leading national search firm, to assist with this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-minnesota/vice-president-government-relations

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.