Director of Government Relations and External Affairs

The Director of Government Relations & External Affairs is responsible for leading and coordinating the University of West Alabama’s government relations activities at the local, state, and federal levels and coordinating external stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and working closely with the President, the Director serves as the University’s primary liaison with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, and other governmental and community stakeholders.

The Director develops and implements strategies to advance the University’s legislative priorities, strengthen governmental partnerships, identify funding opportunities, and advocate for policies and initiatives that support the University's mission and strategic objectives. This position monitors legislative and regulatory developments, evaluates their potential impact on the University, and provides timely information and recommendations to University leadership.

Through strategic advocacy, relationship building, coalition development, and engagement with external constituencies, the Director works to enhance the University's visibility, influence, and effectiveness. Essential Job Responsibilities Government Relations and Legislative Advocacy Develop, implement, and coordinate comprehensive government relations strategies that advance the University's mission, institutional priorities, and strategic objectives.

Establish, maintain, and strengthen relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, policymakers, and other key stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels. Serve as a primary liaison between the University and governmental entities, representing the University's interests and advocating for policies, legislation, and initiatives that support higher education and institutional priorities.

Monitor, analyze, and interpret proposed and enacted legislation, governmental policies, regulations, and emerging issues that may affect the University; provide timely updates, assessments, and recommendations to University leadership. Collaborate with University leadership to identify, develop, and communicate legislative priorities and policy positions consistent with the University's mission and strategic plan.

Coordinate with the University President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and other designated University officials to ensure that legislative advocacy, policy positions, and governmental communications accurately reflect the University's approved priorities and institutional interests. Assist in developing and executing advocacy initiatives, including preparing legislative briefing materials, fact sheets, policy statements, talking points, presentations, reports, memoranda, and correspondence for policymakers and stakeholders.

Community Partnerships and External Relations Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with local governments, regional organizations, community leaders, and governmental partners to support University initiatives and address matters of strategic mutual interest. Assist University leadership in addressing local governmental issues, including municipal and county matters, infrastructure needs, economic development initiatives, public services, and other issues affecting University operations and the surrounding community.

Represent the University in governmental meetings, external coalitions, higher education associations, regional partnerships, and other organizations whose activities align with institutional priorities. Engage advocacy organizations, community-based groups, and other external stakeholders to build coalitions, strengthen governmental support, and advance shared objectives.

Coordinate with University leadership and appropriate departments to identify and pursue governmental funding opportunities, appropriations, grants, and other resources that support institutional goals. Strategic Coordination and Institutional Representation Plan and coordinate visits by University leadership to local, state, and federal governmental offices, including identifying appropriate officials, scheduling meetings, preparing briefing materials, coordinating logistics, and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Coordinate campus visits, meetings, and special events involving elected officials, government representatives, and other public policymakers. Work collaboratively with University leadership and institutional stakeholders to ensure government relations activities are coordinated and aligned with University priorities.

Provide regular reports and briefings to University leadership regarding legislative developments, governmental activities, advocacy initiatives, and emerging opportunities or challenges. Support University initiatives involving public policy, economic development, community engagement, and other matters requiring governmental collaboration.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, higher education administration, or a closely related field. Demonstrated knowledge of governmental processes, legislative procedures, and public policy development.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, policymakers, University leadership, and external stakeholders. Strong organizational, analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships and work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential matters. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to changing legislative and institutional needs. Willingness and ability to travel as necessary and attend meetings or events outside normal business hours.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution in political science, public administration, public policy, higher education administration, or a related field. Five (5) or more years of professional experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a closely related field. Experience working with the Alabama Legislature, state government agencies, congressional offices, or local governmental entities.

Established professional relationships with governmental officials, legislative staff, policymakers, or organizations involved in governmental affairs. Experience developing legislative strategies, coordinating advocacy initiatives, or securing governmental funding and appropriations. Experience working in or with a public institution of higher education.

FLSA : Exempt Before hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.

To Apply: When you select "Apply Now," you will be prompted to provide the following: Cover Letter. A current resume or CV. Transcripts of all college work. Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment. Email and phone number of three professional references. Reference letters may be requested later.