Director of Government Affairs

MSU Denver is excited to welcome a Director of Government Affairs to lead the university's work in developing and advocating for legislation in support of its students and mission.

This position will be a vital member of the Government and External Affairs team and will lead the creation and execution of the university's government affairs strategy in collaboration with the team's Vice President. The Director will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with government officials and their staff at local, state, and federal levels to advance MSU Denver's priorities. With key legislative and funding opportunities on the horizon, the Director will be central in positioning the university to succeed in an evolving policy landscape.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and demonstrated skill working effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Government and External Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Government Relations Strategy:

* Lead the annual development and execution of a comprehensive state legislative strategy to represent MSU Denver's policy interests.

* Assist VP, Government and External Affairs with the creation of annual and long-term public funding strategies.

* Work with lobbyists to monitor and respond to legislative and policy proposals that could impact the university and its community, including in areas such as: curriculum, financial aid, student success, employment matters, and more.

2. Advocacy and Relationship Building:

* Support the creation and implementation of engagement plans at the city, state and federal levels for students, faculty, staff, university leaders, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders.

* Personally cultivate positive, influential relationships with elected officials and their staff, government agencies, and relevant advocacy organizations.

* Educate the university community on legislative processes, priorities and opportunities for engagement. Activate students, faculty and staff to engage in support of policy priorities through testimony and direct outreach.

* Collaborate with external stakeholders (Trustees, Community Cabinet, MSU Denver Foundation Board, etc.) to advocate for legislative priorities and funding opportunities that benefit MSU Denver, via outreach, communications and other strategies.

3. Collaboration and Communication:

* Regularly engage with university faculty, staff and students to identify policy opportunities, stories of impact, and strong voices for advocacy.

* Work with the university's Budget teams and other internal stakeholders to accurately assess both the policy and fiscal impacts of proposed legislation.

* Prepare and deliver presentations to external audiences that clearly communicate the university's government affairs strategies and inspire engagement. * Re-activate and lead the MSU Denver Champions grassroots advocacy group, composed of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Execute high-quality events and engagement opportunities to educate and active the advocacy community.

4. Operations:

* Maintain Salesforce database of interactions, communications, and advocacy efforts and provide regular reports to university leadership.

* Provide regular reports on legislative activities and progress to university stakeholders.

* Track legislatively required reports and ensure timely completion of the report by the subject matter expert.

* Act as the designated representative for the Vice President of Government and External Affairs, engaging in university business and senior leadership matters when needed.

Performs additional miscellaneous job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

* A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in government affairs, legislative relations, policy development, or a related field.

* Deep knowledge of government processes at local, state, and federal levels.

* Strong results-orientation, with proven commitment to working with integrity and a high degree of accountability.

* Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation and advocacy skills.

* Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and agencies.

* Collaborative mindset with the capacity to work effectively within a team and across diverse stakeholder groups.

* Alignment to MSU Denver's CADRE values and university mission.

* Commitment to building connections across campus to support the execution of a successful government relations strategy.

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

* 5+ years of relevant experience in government affairs

* Experience working with the Colorado state legislature and local advocacy organizations.

* Knowledge of Colorado higher education policy and funding dynamics.

Schedule Information
Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Days of the Week: Mon - Fri
Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
Schedule: In person with some remote opportunities
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver 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 a variety of factors 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 salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 -130,000

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) 1/9/2025
For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
3 professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.