Assistant Director State Government Relations

Assistant Director State Government Relations

Req # 10001256

About the Department:

The Government and Community Relations unit is responsible for developing productive, mutually beneficial relationships with business and citizen community groups, as well as advancing the university's interests with federal, state, and local governments. The Office of Government and Community Relations is the primary contact for federal, state, and local government as well as individuals, business and community organizations that seek involvement with Mason.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director of State Government Relations for George Mason University plays a vital role in representing the university’s interests at the state level. The Assistant Director works closely with the Director of State Government Relations to develop and execute strategies that promote relationships with key stakeholders, influence legislative and budget outcomes, and advance George Mason University’s goals and priorities across state government.

The Assistant Director:

• Leverages existing relationships with legislators and aides, and broaden George Mason University’s network in Richmond and across the Commonwealth;
• Closely monitors and analyzes legislative and budget proposals and coordinates feedback from campus experts to ensure positive impacts for the university, students, faculty, staff, and stakeholder community; and
• Attends meetings and monitors administrative and legislative studies, commissions, and committees to evaluate impact on George Mason University and determine opportunities for engagement and participation by faculty and staff.

The Assistant Director assists with coordination of meetings between legislators/state officials and George Mason University senior leadership, either on campus or in Richmond, and events such as legislative receptions, student advocacy events, and other university sponsored activities.

The Assistant Director is expected to conduct research and analysis in the preparation of documents, reports, and presentations, as well as draft internal and external correspondence, executive summaries, and talking points.

The Assistant Director leads follow-up specific to constituent requests from legislators or other government officials, acting as a liaison between the university and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Legislative Analysis and Advocacy:
  • Monitors legislation and related activities and identifies opportunities to engage with relevant bills and initiatives;
  • Coordinates feedback from George Mason University’s senior leadership on legislation and budget issues, assists in drafting legislative proposals, amendments, and testimony to support George Mason University’s positions;
  • Keeps internal stakeholders informed about relevant legislative and budget developments, including potential impact on George Mason University;
  • Prepares written reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate advocacy efforts and outcomes to George Mason University’s leadership and other stakeholders; and
  • Maintains accurate records of legislative activities and events, including contacts and interactions with key stakeholders.

• Relationship Building:
  • Develops and maintains relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, and other government officials;
  • Cultivates relationships both internally across George Mason University and externally with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry associations, advocacy groups, and other relevant organizations;
  • Represents George Mason University at meetings, hearings, receptions, and events to promote George Mason University’s interests and build networks; and
  • Collaborates with other university units including those of senior leadership.

• Strategic Planning:
  • Collaborates with the Director of State Government Relations, Vice President for Government and Community Relations, and other stakeholders to develop strategic plans and objectives for state government relations;
  • Develops communications strategies with Public Relations Specialist, specific to state government activities and priorities, and coordinates with the Office of University Branding when appropriate; and
  • Provides input on policy and budget priorities and advocacy strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Substantial demonstrated experience in government relations;
• Knowledge of Virginia state government and the Virginia General Assembly;
• Working knowledge of Virginia’s legislative and budget processes, and the organization of state government;
• Evidence of deep familiarity and substantive engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders;
• Ability to effectively collect, analyze, synthesize, and present information to various internal and external constituencies;
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills, and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard office procedures, administration of correspondence and meetings;
• Demonstrated communication, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment; and
• This position is based in Richmond, Virginia, with potential for travel for state government activities, and across George Mason University's campus locations in the Commonwealth.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of Richmond governmental agencies preferred;
• Familiarity with issues and challenges facing public institutions of higher education, and understanding;
• Familiarity with George Mason University’s mission, values, and strategic priorities along with an understanding of university structure and function;
• Experience organizing government-focused events; and
• Working knowledge of legislative tracking system(s).

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Assistant Director State Government Relations at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.