Vice President for Government Relations

Job Description Vice President for Government Relations At Montgomery College, our students pursue their goals, transformtheir futures, and contribute to the vitality of Montgomery Countyand beyond. We believe higher education changes lives, strengthenscommunities, and fuels economic mobility. Our College serves adiverse and talented student population through academicexcellence, workforce development, innovation, and communityengagement. Our mission is rooted in being a place where students discovertheir passions and unlock their potential to transform lives,enrich the community, and change the world. We are committed tocreating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every studentcan thrive. Through dedicated faculty and staff, strategicpartnerships, public investment, and thoughtful advocacy,Montgomery College is committed to enhancing access, completion,and post-completion success with a focus that is student-centered,data-informed, and equity-minded. To help achieve these aspirations, we seek an experienced andstrategic Vice President for Government Relations who will lead theCollege's legislative, policy, and advocacy efforts at the local,state, and federal levels. This is a unique opportunity to influence public policy, strengthenstrategic partnerships, and advance the priorities of one of thenation's leading community colleges. Reporting directly to thePresident, the Vice President for Government Relations serves as atrusted advisor and thought partner, helping to position MontgomeryCollege for continued success through effective governmentrelations, coalition building, and advocacy. Position Overview The Vice President for Government Relations provides executiveleadership for the Office of Government Relations and serves as theCollege's chief advocate on governmental, legislative, and policymatters. The Vice President develops and executes a comprehensivegovernment relations strategy that advances the College's mission,Strategic Plan, and Transformational Aspirations. Working closely with the President, senior leaders, electedofficials, government agencies, business leaders, communitypartners, and other entities, the Vice President builds strongrelationships that support the College's legislative priorities,public funding priorities, and long-term institutionalsuccess. Key Responsibilities The Vice President for Government Relations will: Serve as the President's strategic advisor on governmental,legislative, policy, and political matters affecting theCollege. In consultation with the President, develop and execute acomprehensive federal, state, and local government relationsstrategy, including annual advocacy goals, aligned withinstitutional priorities. Translate institutional priorities into a focused legislative,policy, and budget agenda and lead efforts to advance thatagenda. Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative, regulatory,fiscal, and political developments impacting higher education andthe College and provide timely advice and recommended actions tothe President and senior leadership. Build and maintain productive relationships with electedofficials, government agencies, policymakers, business leaders,community organizations, and education partners. Represent Montgomery College before local, state, and federalentities and at professional associations and communityorganizations. Develop coalitions and partnerships that advance shared highereducation priorities. Work closely with the President's Office and senior leadershipto ensure coordination of government relations activities, electedofficial engagement, and matters requiring the President'sattention. Coordinate testimony, advocacy materials, remarks, talkingpoints, and strategic communications on behalf of Collegeleadership. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop annualadvocacy and government relations communication strategies. Support and coordinate appropriate advocacy engagement amongtrustees, alumni, students, faculty, staff, board leadership, andcommunity partners. Ensure coordinated institutional responses to requests,inquiries, visits, meetings, and engagement opportunities involvingelected officials and government stakeholders. Provide strategic leadership, direction, and development forGovernment Relations staff, ensuring alignment with institutionalpriorities and advocacy objectives. Maintain an effective approach to tracking government relationsactivities, outcomes, and follow-up to support coordination,accountability, and alignment with College priorities. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Master’s degree or other advanced degree in publicadministration, public policy, law, political science, government,education policy, or a related field. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsibleexperience in government relations, government affairs, publicpolicy, higher education, advocacy, external affairs, coalitionbuilding, or a related field. Experience supervising staff, developing organizationalstrategy, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and advancinginstitutional priorities. Demonstrated experience developing relationships with seniorleaders, elected officials, policymakers, and externalstakeholders. Proven record of advancing organizational, legislative, policy,or public funding priorities. Leadership Competencies Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills, with theability to navigate complex and high-impact challenges. Independent judgment and initiative to advance priorities,drive results, and advance institutional goals with broad executiveguidance. Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaborationskills with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Deep understanding of government relations, public policy,higher education, legislative processes, and fiscal matters. A commitment to inclusivity, equity, and servant leadership,with the ability to build consensus, foster engagement, and createan environment where all individuals can contribute andsucceed. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with state government. Demonstrated success in coalition building and advocacy withinhigher education. Experience navigating legislative, policy, and fiscal processesaffecting public higher education institutions. Hiring Range $135,044 - $185,671 annually. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimumand midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidateexperience and internal equity. The maximum salary for thisposition is $236,298 annually. According to the College's policy and search committee affirmation,all information from and about candidates will be kept in strictconfidence. The position will remain open until filled. Best considerationdate for online applications is Friday, October 16, 2026. To be considered, applications must consist of the following A resume/curriculum vitae (CV). A cover letter is required. For degrees earned outside of the U.S., a copy of youreducation equivalency, conducted by a nationally recognizedevaluation service, must be included in your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please ensurethat all employment dates are included in your applicationmaterials. For degrees earned outside of the U.S., a copy of your educationequivalency, conducted by a nationally recognized evaluationservice, must be included in your application. As a condition of employment, the following are required at thetime of hire: Successful completion of a background check and degreeverification (if applicable). Participation in a Maryland State Retirement System plan(Pension or Optional Retirement Plan, depending on the position).If you are already retired from the Maryland State RetirementSystem, you may not enroll in a Maryland State Retirement Systemplan at Montgomery College and may have earn ings restrictions,per state law. Our benefits package includes: generous paidvacation, sick, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, group legalbenefits, professional development, retirement plan, educationalassistance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, wellnessprogramming including onsite gyms, pools and classes. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in thejob application or interview process, please contact HumanResources and Strategic Talent Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. We require at least twoweeks advance notice to enable us to provide the requestedaccommodation. Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering diversity among its student body, faculty,and staff. Montgomery College is a tobacco-free and smoke-freeworkplace. Closing Date Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr Montgomery College