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California State University, Monterey Bay · 1 month ago

Director of Governmental Relations and Strategic Engagement

Monterey, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$9,261/mo - $10,416/mo

5+ years exp

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university located in California’s Central Coast, dedicated to student success and engagement. The Director of Governmental Relations and Strategic Engagement is responsible for representing the university to external constituencies, advocating for campus needs and issues, and designing government relations strategies to align with university priorities.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Leads and advances CSUMB’s government relations strategy at the local, state, and federal levels, including advocacy on policy, budget, capital outlay, legal affairs, bond campaigns, and land use

Collaborates with the President, senior leadership, and the Chief Research Officer/Sponsored Programs Office to identify and pursue legislative and agency opportunities that support university priorities, research initiatives, and institutional funding goals

Builds and maintains strategic relationships with elected and appointed officials, legislative staff, and relevant agencies across all levels of government, with a focus on the Central Coast delegation

Monitors, analyzes, and interprets legislation, regulations, and policy developments, advising senior leadership on potential impacts, risks, and opportunities for collaboration, innovation, or funding

Coordinates closely with the CSU Chancellor’s Office Government Affairs team to align campus priorities with systemwide legislative strategies at both the state and federal levels

Prepares and manages CSUMB’s annual submissions for the CSU legislative and appropriations agenda, and organizes campus visits, briefings, and engagement with policymakers, including the development of issue briefs, talking points, and follow-up materials

Develops and executes a community relations and external affairs plan that complements the government relations program, engaging business, regional agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and regional coalitions

Represents the campus in external community programs and activities, building goodwill and greater community understanding of the university’s educational, research, and service mission

Coordinates external messaging efforts with CSUMB Marketing, the Public Information Officer, and the Director of Alumni Relations, where appropriate

Assists as appropriate in efforts to increase student enrollment, recruitment, and retention

Organizes and coordinates external stakeholder events, campus tours, legislative visits, and community outreach initiatives including logistics, protocol, materials, and follow-up

Serves as a liaison to external organizations and regional partnerships to advance institutional visibility and support

Partners with the Sponsored Programs Office, faculty, and regional stakeholders to support external engagement efforts that elevate research, grant-funded initiatives, and community-based collaborations aligned with CSUMB’s mission

Manages public records requests and assures compliance with applicable laws, coordinating with appropriate offices, legal counsel, and the Chancellor’s Office

Coordinates with the Public Information Officer and President’s Communications Office to develop, maintain, and execute crisis communication protocols ensuring rapid and coordinated institutional response during campus incidents or emergencies

Serves as an authorized spokesperson for the university during crisis situations or high-profile issues, in consultation with University Communications and senior leadership

Assists in preparing talking points, media statements, and key messages for leadership, and advises on communications strategy related to emerging or sensitive issues

Develops metrics, evaluation frameworks, and regular reports on the effectiveness and impact of governmental and external relations activities

Assists in the planning and implementation of the university's strategic plan, ensuring alignment of external relations and governmental affairs with institutional priorities

Leads or participates in cross-functional task forces and initiatives that link academic, operational, and external engagement goals

Qualification

Government relations strategyLegislative advocacyPublic affairsCrisis communicationSponsored researchCommunity relationsIntergovernmental relationsEvent planningPolitical acumenProfessionalismBilingual abilityTechnical fluencyInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsTime managementTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in public policy, public affairs, political science, communications, or related field

A minimum of five (5) years overall professional experience, with at least three (3) years of direct experience in communications, governmental relations, public affairs, and/or legislative experience at the local, state, or federal level

Knowledge of governmental relations and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels

Knowledge of sponsored research and grant-funded program development in a higher education or public agency context

Knowledge of best practices in media and public affairs, crisis communications, and institutional representation

Knowledge of governmental protocols, political processes, and discretion in sensitive or high-profile situations

Knowledge of comprehensive aspects of advancement and external relations in a higher education environment

Knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks related to public funding, appropriations, and compliance

Knowledge of intergovernmental relations, including agency coordination and public policy development

Ability to apply political acumen and professional judgment in working with elected and appointed officials, legislative and municipal staff, external/community groups, and the media

Ability to synthesize complex legislative or regulatory information and translate it into actionable strategies aligned with institutional priorities

Ability to communicate persuasively and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing, using strong interpersonal skills

Ability to plan, manage, and execute public affairs events and communications strategies

Ability to cultivate cross-functional collaboration among faculty, Sponsored Programs Office, and leadership teams to advance advocacy, research, and funding efforts

Ability to analyze and develop imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of issues

Ability to adapt effectively to organizational and policy changes within a dynamic academic environment

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and perform effectively under deadline pressure

Ability to demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines

Ability to represent the university with professionalism and integrity in a variety of internal and external settings

Preferred

A master's degree (e.g., MPA, MPP, MA) and/or a minimum of seven (7) years of directly related professional experience in governmental relations, legislative advocacy, or government communications is highly desirable

Established local, regional, and national contacts related to governmental and external relations

Experience in higher education advocacy efforts and programs, communications, media or public relations, event planning, and promotion

Familiarity with a university or large public-sector environment and experience working with diverse populations

Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced academic setting in an innovative and rapidly evolving university

Bilingual ability, international or multicultural experience

Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, the CSU Common Management System, or equivalent platforms; Microsoft Office Suite; and Google Workspace tools