Associate Vice President for Government Relations

Associate Vice President for Government Relations Job no: 557743 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Stanislaus - Turlock Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) Position Summary Full‑time position under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) available on or after September 1, 2026 in the Office of the President. This role serves as the chief government relations officer and principal advisor to the President and Cabinet on legislative, regulatory, and political matters affecting the University. It supports executive leadership and campus stakeholders in advancing student success, workforce development, research, and the acquisition of public resources through effective governmental engagement. Responsibilities Lead strategic government relations and public policy functions for the University. Advise the President and Cabinet on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters. Build and sustain relationships with local, state, and federal officials, community leaders, and external partners. Coordinate campus visits, briefings, and events involving public officials. Coordinate participation in CSU systemwide advocacy efforts and lead advocacy visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Support workforce development and regional priorities by engaging external stakeholders. Align internal stakeholder initiatives with advocacy priorities. Coordinate and facilitate engagements between University leadership and government officials. Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with institutional and CSU priorities. Advise senior leadership on political dynamics, risk assessment, and policy implications. Establish frameworks to assess effectiveness of advocacy and government relations efforts. Provide counsel to senior leadership on emerging legislative trends, policy developments, and potential impacts to the University. Contribute to institutional positioning, external engagement strategy, and long‑term planning efforts. Identify, pursue, and advance public funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels. Coordinate development of legislative proposals, budget requests, and policy positions. Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activity impacting the University. Ensure compliance with lobbying, ethics, and reporting requirements. Align government relations efforts with University Advancement and resource strategies. Develop tracking and reporting tools for legislative activity and advocacy outcomes. Utilize data and analytics to inform advocacy strategy and decision‑making. Support coordination of advocacy‑related travel, briefings, and engagement activities. Prepare issue briefs, funding proposals, and advocacy materials. Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of government relations efforts. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. Experience: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, policy advocacy, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or terminal degree from an accredited institution. Experience working in a higher education or complex public‑sector environment, preferably within the California State University system. Experience securing public funding or advancing legislative or policy initiatives at the local, state, or federal level. Experience supporting institutions serving diverse student populations, including Hispanic‑Serving Institutions. Familiarity with issues affecting regional universities, including workforce development and economic mobility. Experience aligning government relations with advancement, communications, or external affairs functions. Experience representing an organization in systemwide, governmental, or external forums. Experience managing or coordinating complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of government relations, public affairs, and legislative processes. Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and institutional policy implementation. Knowledge of public policy development, governmental budgeting, and regulatory environments affecting higher education. Ability to develop and implement divisional policies and procedures. Ability to align operational objectives with institutional and systemwide strategic goals. Ability to oversee complex programs and integrate multiple initiatives related to governmental relations and advocacy. Ability to manage financial, human, and organizational resources in support of programmatic goals. Ability to lead initiatives and guide staff or cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and advance strategic advocacy initiatives. Ability to analyze legislative, regulatory, and institutional data and apply findings to strategic decision‑making. Skill in executive‑level communication, presentations, and reporting. Ability to build effective partnerships across divisions, with elected officials, government agencies, and external entities. Ability to exercise broad discretion and sound judgment in high‑impact and politically sensitive situations. Physical Requirements Position will be required to travel. Salary Range Anticipated starting salary: $12,750 – $16,675 per month, plus paid benefits. Salary will depend on qualifications of the successful candidate. Benefits Competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental and vision plans; fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. Additional benefits information available upon request. Background Clearance Notice Satisfactory completion of a background check, including employment, education, criminal, civil, motor vehicle, professional licenses, and sex offender registries (as required), is required for employment. A conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Equal Employment Opportunity The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The person holding this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Contact Information Individuals who appear to be best qualified will be contacted by telephone or e‑mail for an interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr