Vice President, Government Relations

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southeastern University!


Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southeastern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.


We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southeastern University.

Primary Purpose:


Serves as the institution's chief strategist and senior leader responsible for advancing the organization's public policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. Provides strategic direction, leadership, and coordination of all government-facing activities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and safeguarding the organization's interests in the public sector.
Acts as a trusted advisor to the President and Board of Trustees on legislative, regulatory, and political matters, and serves as the primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, and external advocacy partners.

Job Category: Exempt


Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience


Pay Basis: Annually


Subject to Grant Funding? No


Essential Job Functions:


1. Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates work activities of subordinates and staff, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and terminating, all in accordance with University policies and procedures.
2. Develops a comprehensive understanding of the institution's strategic priorities, translating them into actionable legislative and funding agendas.
3. Leads the development and execution of a coordinated federal, state, and local government relations strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
4. Identifies and advances opportunities to secure public funding and influence policy outcomes that support institutional growth and impact.
5. Serves as the senior relationship manager with key stakeholders, including Members of Congress and their staff, Governor's office and state leadership, State and local elected officials, and Federal, state, and local agencies.
6. Builds and sustains strong, credible relationships that enhance the organization's visibility and influence in policymaking circles.
7. Represents the institution in external forums, coalitions, and advocacy groups.
8. Provides strategic counsel to the President and Board of Trustees on legislative developments, funding opportunities, and political risk.
9. Monitors and analyzes policy trends, regulatory changes, and political dynamics to inform leadership decision-making.
10. Leads major appropriations and funding initiatives, including but not limited to Healthcare workforce funding and Federal research and program opportunities (e.g., NIH, HRSA, NOAA, NSF).
11. Coordinates internal stakeholders to position the organization competitively for government funding.
12. Collaborates across the organization to ensure cohesive messaging and advocacy efforts, including partnership with Advancement, Public Relations/Communications, Research functions, and Health and specialized program units.
13. Aligns institutional priorities with external advocacy strategies and communications.
14. Evaluates, selects, and manages external lobbying firms and consultants, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and performance expectations.
15. Oversees external advocacy activities and ensure effective coordination between internal and external stakeholders.
16. Completes special projects as assigned.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or required.


Job Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge:
1. In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory processes.
2. Understanding of appropriations, public funding mechanisms, and budget cycles.
3. Familiarity with public policy development, analysis, and advocacy strategies.
4. Knowledge of higher education, healthcare, and/or research policy environments (as applicable).
5. Awareness of political landscapes, stakeholder interests, and emerging policy trends.
6. Understanding of compliance requirements related to lobbying and government relations activities.

Skills:
1. Strategic planning and execution of government relations and advocacy initiatives.
2. Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement with elected officials, agencies, and partners.
3. Executive-level written and verbal communication, including policy briefings and presentations.
4. Negotiation and influencing skills in complex political and organizational environments.
5. Analytical and critical thinking skills to assess policy impacts and opportunities.
6. Leadership and team management, including oversight of external lobbyists and consultants.
7. Cross-functional collaboration and coordination across diverse internal stakeholders.

Abilities:
1. Ability to translate organizational priorities into effective legislative and funding strategies.
2. Ability to build and sustain credibility with senior leaders, policymakers, and external partners.
3. Ability to navigate complex political environments with sound judgment and discretion.
4. Ability to anticipate policy risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
5. Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting timelines in a dynamic policy environment.
6. Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for executive audiences.
7. Ability to represent the organization effectively in high-visibility external settings.

Physical Requirements:
1. Near Vision - Must be able to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
2. Speech Recognition - Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
3. Speech Clarity - Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
4. Travel - Must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
5. May be required to work nights or weekends.
6. May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
7. May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, to include but not limited to pens, pencils, and computer keyboards.


Required Certifications/Licensures:

Required Education: Bachelor's degree


Major (if required:

Required Experience: 1. 12-15+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field.
2. Demonstrated expertise engaging with both federal and state government entities.
3. Proven experience managing external lobbying firms or advocacy partners.
4. Strong understanding of legislative processes, appropriations, and regulatory environments.


Preferred Qualifications:


1. Experience in higher education, academic health systems, or research-intensive organizations.
2. Established network of relationships with key policymakers and agencies.
3. Track record of securing government funding and influencing public policy outcomes.


Is this a safety sensitive position? No


Background Screening Required? No


Pre-Employment Conditions:

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.


NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS:


Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: . Nova Southeastern University Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Kessner, Partner Vijay Saraswat, Partner Ivan Ceballos, Managing Associate Elizabeth Arvanitis, Senior Search Coordinator Isaacson, Miller.