Director, Government Relations
General Description
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Partnerships, the Director, Government Relations provides leadership in the development and execution of comprehensive legislative and governmental relations strategies that advance the College’s mission, strategic plan, and institutional priorities. This role serves as the College’s primary point of contact for federal, state (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), regional, and local government entities and works collaboratively across the College to promote public policy initiatives that support student success, workforce development, and community engagement.
Consistent with government affairs roles across higher education institutions in Pennsylvania, the Director monitors legislative and regulatory activity, manages advocacy efforts, supports public funding and appropriations initiatives, builds relationships with elected officials and agencies, and ensures the College’s interests are effectively represented before governmental bodies.
Specific Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in the development and implementation of legislative and governmental relations strategies aligned with the College’s mission, strategic direction, and priorities as established by the President and Executive Leadership.
- Advance the College’s priorities at the federal, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, regional, county, and municipal levels by cultivating relationships with elected officials, appointed leaders, regulatory agencies, and their staff.
- Serve as the College’s primary liaison to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Governor’s Office, state agencies (including the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Labor & Industry), and local governmental entities.
- Advocate for public funding, appropriations, grants, and policy initiatives that support higher education, workforce development, and community-based programming.
- Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislation, regulations, and public policy trends at the federal, state, and local levels, and assess potential impacts on College operations, finances, and programs.
- Provide timely briefings and strategic guidance to the President, Chief of Staff, and Executive Team regarding legislative developments, risks, and opportunities.
- Represent the College, as directed by leadership, with members of Congress, state legislators, governors’ offices, county executives, mayors, regulatory agencies, and relevant government organizations.
- Coordinate and manage the College’s advocacy efforts, including lobbying activities, legislative visits, campus tours for elected officials, and participation in coalitions and higher education associations.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop policy briefs, legislative testimony, talking points, and rapid-response communications targeted to policymakers and community stakeholders.
- Serve as a liaison between legislative bodies and the College, responding to inquiries, coordinating information requests, and ensuring consistent messaging.
- In collaboration with the office of Events and Community Relations, plan and execute events, forums, and advocacy initiatives that support government relations goals and promote the College’s visibility with policymakers.
- Participate actively in relevant state and national associations related to higher education, workforce development, and public policy.
- Review internal policies, programs, and initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and laws.
- Collaborate with academic departments, workforce development, student services, and community partners to align institutional initiatives with government funding opportunities and policy priorities.
- Maintain awareness of economic development, workforce, and education trends across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to position the College as a key public partner.
- Perform duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals, and core values of the College.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Five (5) or more years of experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or advocacy required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Pennsylvania legislative and regulatory processes required.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills required.
- Experience working with appropriations, public funding, or policy advocacy required.
- Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills required.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
- Ability to travel, as needed, required.
- An understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college staff and students required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, law, political science, or related field preferred.
- Higher education or public sector experience strongly preferred.
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