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UT Health San Antonio · 1 day ago

Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

UT Health San Antonio is a comprehensive research university that combines a large academic institution with a health-related institution. The Senior Vice President for Governmental Relations serves as the chief strategist and liaison between the university and government entities, leading efforts to secure legislative support and shape public policy to advance the institution's missions.

EducationHealth CareHospitalMedicalProduct Research

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive governmental relations strategy aligned with UT San Antonio’s mission and strategic priorities

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, prepare impact analyses, and advise executive leadership on emerging opportunities and risks

Build, sustain, and strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, agency leaders, and public sector stakeholders

Represent the institution at legislative hearings, public forums, and governmental meetings

Serve as the university’s primary point of contact for governmental inquiries and engagement

Collaborate with internal leaders to identify policy issues affecting the institution and develop actionable advocacy positions

Conduct analysis of legislation and regulations; prepare policy briefs, impact assessments, and recommendations

Draft position papers, testimony, legislative proposals, and official correspondence articulating the institution’s positions

Partner with university leaders, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment of advocacy efforts across the institution

Educate internal stakeholders about government relations initiatives, policy implications, and advocacy strategies

Develop communication materials to articulate institutional priorities to policymakers, community leaders, and external audiences

Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements, ethics rules, and governmental reporting obligations

Maintain comprehensive records of governmental relations activities and interactions

Provide regular briefings to the President, Cabinet, and governing bodies on advocacy activities and outcomes; prepare annual reports summarizing efforts and achievements

Provide executive leadership to the Governmental Relations office, overseeing budgeting, staff development, and operational planning. Coordinate with UT System counterparts and institutional leadership to maintain consistent messaging and advocacy positions. Serve as a senior advisor to the President on governmental, political, and public policy matters

Lead and develop a high-performing team of governmental relations professionals who engage and liaise with local, regional, state, and national political leaders, elected officials, and key influencers to advance UT San Antonio’s strategic initiatives and institutional priorities

Qualification

Governmental relations strategyLegislative processes knowledgePublic policy analysisPolitical judgmentPublic higher education dynamicsStrategic planningRelationship-building skillsTeam-building capabilitiesWritten communicationVerbal communicationProject management skills

Required

Ability to work closely and collaboratively with members of the the UT San Antonio President's Cabinet as a high functioning team member

Deep knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, appropriations cycles, and regulatory frameworks

Strong understanding of public higher education dynamics, funding models, academic and research issues, and community impact

Has particular expertise at the state level in shaping opportunities to strategically benefit the institution, UTS, and the State of Texas

Exceptional political judgment, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills

Ability to interpret and analyze legislation, regulations, and public policy issues

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive messaging, policy briefs, testimonies, and executive updates

Strategic planning and systems-level thinking with the ability to align advocacy efforts across a large institutional enterprise

Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion, maintain confidentiality, and navigate politically complex situations

Demonstrated leadership, management, and team-building capabilities

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Ability to represent UT San Antonio with professionalism, credibility, and confidence in high-visibility settings

Minimum 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or public administration