Director, Government Relations

Job Title

Director, Government Relations (Legislative Strategy and Operations)

Agency

Texas A&M University System Offices

Department

State Relations

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, nine state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond.

The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP venter: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

Job Description Summary:

The Director of Government Relations works as a member of the Policy and Strategy team under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations - Policy and Strategy focusing on state legislative strategy and legislative operations for the state relations team. This position will also focus on the internal system strategic initiatives and representing those initiatives before the state legislature.

Responsibilities:
- Work as a member of the Policy and Strategy team within TAMUS Government Relations focusing on legislative and policy issues affecting the A&M System and its institutions and agencies.

- Identify and monitor legislation, programs and issues across all policy areas affecting the Texas A&M System or its component institutions.

- Monitor interim legislative committee and state agency proceedings impacting the System and its institutions and agencies.

- Coordinate closely with other members of the System Government Relations team.

- Participate in planning of campus tours, member and staff briefings, legislative constituent responses and other activities on behalf of the A&M System.

- Complete special duties and projects in support of the Office of Government Relations as needed.

- Establish and maintain key contacts in all levels of state government, such as the Legislature, state agencies, especially the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and other institutions of higher education.

- Monitor, research, analyze and review legislation and proposed agency rules that may affect TAMUS and its institutions and agencies, and prepare/present verbal and written status updates on developments.

- Stay informed on broader higher education policy news and trends at the state and national level in order to serve as a conduit in keeping institutional liaisons informed regarding the higher education policy landscape.

- Be proactive in developing informative materials regarding the higher education policy landscape to inform leaders and decision makers within the A&M System.

- Research various state higher education and general government policy issues. Research and prepare policy papers, reports, presentations and summary information.

- Seek input and feedback from the A&M System and its agencies and institutions for System Government Relations on the impact of state and federal policies, rules, regulations and legislation impacting the system.

- Serve as the liaison for system level research and innovation initiatives.

- Track Texas Register proposed rules and comments.

- Provide strategic guidance related to all policy issues and legislative operations.

- Coordinate bill tracking, requests for information, and testimony before legislative committees.

- Track and coordinate the implementation of passed legislation, rules, and system policies.

- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
- Master's degree or J.D. in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Six years of experience working with the legislature, government, or higher education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience using computer legislative research software.

- Knowledge of the legislative process and state government.

- Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

- Ability to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate information.

- Periodic travel required.

- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Coursework or degree in public policy or administration, program evaluation, quantitative/qualitative research, education measurement/research, financial affairs, academic affairs, legal research or a related field is preferred.

Other Requirements:

This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

---