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UVA External Relations

Executive Director for State Government Relations

UVA External Relations, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214

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Executive Director for State Government Relations

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UVA External Relations

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of

Executive Director for State Government Relations . External Relations supports the University’s fourfold mission of teaching, research, health care, and public service by fundraising for pan-University strategic priorities, promoting the University’s position in Richmond, and providing resources and expertise to the University’s external relations community. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

The

Executive Director for State Government Relations

plays an integral role in advancing the University’s priorities and representing the University’s position on issues with Virginia legislators and state government officials. This position cultivates and fosters bipartisan alliances to address state issues of importance to the University and serves as a liaison between the University and state officials and agencies. The Executive Director will advise the President, the Senior Vice President for External Relations, and executive leadership of the University on state governmental issues and, in collaboration with the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President for External Relations, will assist with the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. This position reports to the Senior Vice President for External Relations.

This position requires an extensive presence in Richmond throughout the year, especially during the General Assembly Session. Visits to legislators in their home districts, as well as attendance at meetings and events in Charlottesville, are required.

Key Priorities

Develop and implement the University’s state legislative strategy, in consultation with the President, Senior Vice President, and executive leadership.

Successfully advocate for the University on key state issues.

Cultivate relationships with Virginia legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other Virginia institutions of higher education and other related groups.

Responsibilities

Build and expand the University’s relationships with state legislators, officials, and agencies to strengthen the University’s ability to deliver educational, research, and healthcare programs in support of its mission, and to promote the University’s participation in economic development initiatives.

Effectively represent and advocate the University’s position on issues and legislation affecting higher education and heighten awareness of the University’s contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation.

Keep the Senior Vice President, President, and other members of the University’s leadership team apprised of activities, issues, and concerns from parties in state government.

Meet with state legislators and testify before legislative committees as necessary to convey the University’s priorities and position on a multitude of issues.

Disseminate relevant information and data to bolster support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the Commonwealth and the University.

Monitor relevant legislative and state activities during the General Assembly session and throughout the year.

Partner with other Virginia public colleges and universities, as well as other related groups such as the Virginia Business Higher Education Council and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, to advance higher education and healthcare priorities.

Provide high-level information and analysis to members of the University’s leadership team about state matters that are critical to the University’s mission and assist the President and leadership in developing a comprehensive legislative agenda and strategy.

Meet and build relationships with designated University officials as needed to share information about recent activities and emerging issues to ensure that all efforts are coordinated.

Manage a small high-performing team in the Richmond Office committed to advancing the University’s position on state-related issues.

Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile The successful candidate possesses a demonstrated record of creative, inspiring, and accomplished leadership in complex environments with the highest level of commitment to advancing the organization’s goals.

Professional Experience

Considerable experience working with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, and their staff.

Demonstrated understanding of the legislative and budget processes and key policy issues facing higher education in Virginia.

Management experience leading a team is preferred.

Ability to mobilize support for institutional legislative, operating, and capital priorities.

Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all levels of an organization and within state government.

Working knowledge of higher education institution structure and functions.

Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages.

Interpersonal Characteristics

Exceptional personal and professional integrity.

Thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative.

High level of personal self-confidence with genuine humility.

An excellent verbal and written communicator.

Excellent presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages.

Strong interpersonal skills by navigating relationships with high level of emotional intelligence.

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with diverse constituencies at all levels.

Proven track record of confidentiality and exercising discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: bachelor’s degree required; master’s or other advanced degree preferred

Experience: ten years of relevant experience

Licensure: None

Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Seniority Level Executive

Employment Type Full-time

Job Function Business Development and Sales

Industries Non-profit Organizations

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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