"Director of Government Affairs (Communications Government Relations Director)"

POSITION DETAILS

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia’s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility - moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond - in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020). Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

The Director of Government Affairs leads the college’s engagement with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies. The Director is responsible for advancing institutional priorities and securing funding through legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and strategic coordination with elected officials. The Director will oversee the Government Relations manager and ensure alignment of advocacy efforts with the college's mission and strategic plan.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive but illustrate the general requirement of the position. The position reports to the College’s Chief of Staff, who may direct the Director to perform duties in addition to those listed below.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the college’s government relations strategy, ensuring proactive, year-round engagement with elected officials and policymakers.
• Serve as the primary liaison to government offices and legislative bodies, representing the college’s interests at public hearings, policy meetings, and budget discussions.
• Serve as a CUNY Legislative Council Member (CLAC), coordinating state and city funding opportunities and higher education advocacy with CUNY and the College.
• Track and analyze proposed legislation and public policies that affect higher education, and provide regular briefings and recommendations to college leadership.
• Partner with the President’s Office, senior staff, and institutional stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and policy initiatives that support the college’s academic, capital, and workforce development goals.
• Coordinate legislative advocacy efforts in collaboration with CUNY’s Office of Government Relations.
• Prepare materials (e.g., briefing documents, legislative testimony, and funding proposals) that support the college’s priorities.
• Lead the planning and execution of advocacy events, site visits, and campus tours for government officials.
• Represent the College through participation on key boards and committees of organizations, agencies, and government entities whose work is related to priorities of the college
• Oversee compliance with City/State/Federal lobbying regulations, ensuring timely submission of required reports.
• Supervise and support the work of the Government Relations manager and other staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight.
• Facilitate internal awareness of key government-related developments and ensure a unified institutional voice in public policy discussions.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with legislative aides, policy analysts, and public agency staff to stay informed and to position LaGuardia appropriately before government officials.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, policy, or public administration, preferably in higher education or a related public sector.
• Demonstrated experience in legislative advocacy, public policy analysis, and relationship management with government stakeholders and elected officials.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and represent an institution with integrity and diplomacy.
• Familiarity with CUNY, New York City, New York State, and Federal government agencies and funding sources.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage people and lead teams.
• Excellent financial management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven success in fundraising.
• Track record of working collaboratively with education, government, civic, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to execute on strategic objectives in positions of increasing scope and influence.
• Significant experience with and understanding of non-profit arts organization management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs a program of communications and advocacy at Federal, State, Regional, and/or Borough levels on behalf of the College or Unit.

• Sets overall strategy to advance College or Unit programs
• Prepares and presents positions on imperatives impacting the College/Unit and its broader constituencies
• Monitors and coordinates legislative initiatives with potential impact
• Represents the College/Unit with external governmental organizations
• Serves as spokesperson for College legislative affairs and is the primary contact for legislative issues
• Identifies and cultivates relationships with appropriate governmental entities, seeking collaborations to meet common objectives
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Communications Government Relations Director

CUNY TITLE: Higher Education Officer

FLSA: Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$113,982 - $136,546

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).

CLOSING DATE: 12/17/2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY: CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 31322

Location: LaGuardia Community College