Associate Vice Chancellor for Government & Community Relations, Chancellor's Office (5995U) #89316

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The Office of Government and Community Relations (GCR) advances the University’s mission by developing and maintaining strong relationships with governmental agencies, elected officials, Tribal governments and organizations, community stakeholders, and advocacy partners. The office supports institutional priorities through legislative advocacy, public policy analysis, strategic communications, and community engagement.

As part of the Chancellor’s office, GCR works to demonstrate the value of UC Berkeley as the nation’s leading public research University to elected officials, government agencies, the local community, and public at large.

Job Summary

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Government & Community Relations (AVC GCR) serves as a senior strategic advisor and relationship manager responsible for advancing institutional priorities through engagement with local, state, federal, and Tribal governmental entities, community organizations, and external stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the Chancellor at UC Berkeley, this position develops and implements government and community relations strategies, provides policy analysis and advocacy support, and represents the institution before governmental and public bodies. The position manages complex governmental, legislative, regulatory, and community engagement activities that support the University’s mission, strategic priorities, research agenda, and public service objectives.

The incumbent manages high-profile and sensitive issues, cultivates strategic partnerships, and provides executive-level guidance regarding political, legislative, and policy matters affecting the institution. This role requires substantial political acumen, exceptional communication and relationship management skills, and extensive knowledge of governmental processes and higher education policy.

UC Berkeley and UC System stakeholders described the role as a strategic, collaborative, and relationship-driven executive with nuanced political judgment and organizational leadership to serve as a trusted advisor to the Chancellor and the Chancellor's Cabinet plus other executives. The person will demonstrate the ability to build and sustain trusted partnerships across government, the university, and surrounding communities while navigating Berkeley's complex, decentralized, and shared-governance environment.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, resilience, and the ability to lead and develop a high-performing team effectively. Stakeholders also emphasized a commitment to Berkeley's public mission and the ability to position Government & Community Relations as a proactive, coordinated, and strategic partner in advancing the university's priorities.

Application review will begin in early November. The position will be open until filled.

Government Relations and Advocacy Develops and implements comprehensive government relations strategies that support institutional priorities and initiatives. Represents and manages a team that represents the University before local, state, federal, and Tribal governmental entities and community organizations. Monitors legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments impacting higher education and advises campus leadership regarding implications and recommended actions.

Builds and maintains productive relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, governmental agencies, Tribal leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups. Coordinates institutional advocacy efforts related to legislative, budgetary, and regulatory matters. Partners with UCOP Government Relations on issues as appropriate.

Assists academic, research and administrative units in identifying and pursuing governmental funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. Develops briefing materials, talking points, position papers, correspondence, and policy recommendations for senior leadership. Coordinates institutional responses to governmental inquiries, hearings, and public policy initiatives.

Strategic Advising and Policy Analysis Serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership regarding governmental, political, and community relations matters. Provides analysis and recommendations on complex public policy, legislative, and regulatory issues. Identifies emerging political and policy trends that may affect institutional operations or priorities.

Collaborates with campus leadership to develop strategies addressing sensitive and high-profile issues. Supports executive communications and external engagement initiatives. Develops and presents written and verbal briefings for executive leadership and campus stakeholders. Community and External Relations Develops and sustains partnerships with local cities (such as Berkeley and Albany), community and business organizations, civic leaders, Tribal governments, and external stakeholders.

Supports initiatives that strengthen community engagement and institutional visibility. Coordinates outreach efforts related to institutional priorities, strategic initiatives, and public affairs matters. Represents the institution at public meetings, community events, and external forums. Facilitates collaborative relationships that advance institutional goals and foster community trust.

Operational Leadership and Administration Supports planning and implementation of operational goals and priorities for government and community relations activities. Supervises a team of professional and administrative staff. Provides guidance, coaching, and performance management. Assists with budget planning, project management, and resource coordination.

Develops and implements procedures to support effective and compliant operations. Ensures coordination and communication across campus departments and external partners.

Advanced knowledge of local, state, federal, and/or Tribal governmental structures, legislative processes, and public policy development. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic government or public affairs initiatives. Strong political acumen and ability to navigate sensitive and evolving complex issues.

Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse constituencies and senior stakeholders. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex policy issues and develop strategic recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment. Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality. Experience preparing executive-level briefings, policy analyses, and strategic communications. Strong organizational and project management skills.

Strong skills in collaboration, delegation, and executive advising. Supervisory or people leadership experience. Strong people and resource leadership skills to motivate others, set goals for teams, and assess, mentor, or coach staff. Extensive experience working within higher education, public agencies, government relations, public policy, or public affairs; demonstrated progressive growth of responsibility and leadership in this area.

Ability to effectively and efficiently navigate a nuanced, matrixed, and decentralized organization. Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, public administration, higher education, or a related field; and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

Ability to think with an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset around relationships and building relationships proactively, in order to augment and leverage networks to strengthen government and community in a mutually beneficial manner. Deep knowledge and/or experience with the California state government. Knowledge of federal government relations and related structures and processes.

Experience engaging with Tribal governments and organizations. Experience with legislative advocacy, budget processes, and regulatory affairs. Experience with NAGPRA and repatriation efforts. Established effective relationships with governmental, community, or higher education stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of higher education policy issues and the organizational environment of large public research universities.

Experience working in or with higher education. Advanced degree.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement.

This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $220,000.00 - $260,000.00. The full range associated with this job classification is broader and includes up to $280,000.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through jobs.berkeley.edu. This search is being managed by Berkeley Executive Search (BES).

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.