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Government Relations Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Government Affairs Specialist

Middleville, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Reporting to the Manager of Government Relations, this role coordinates policy updates, prepares monthly reporting materials, supports industry association engagement, and assists in identifying ...

Ezee Fiber

Manager, Government Affairs

Troy, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

Responsibilities The Manager, Government Affairs will support efforts related to government relations, public policy, and regulatory engagement. This position will help monitor legislative and ...

Ezee Fiber

Manager, Government Affairs

Troy, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Manager, Government Affairs will support efforts related to government relations, public policy, and regulatory engagement. This position will help monitor legislative and regulatory ...

Ezee Fiber

Manager, Government Affairs

Troy, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Manager, Government Affairs will support efforts related to government relations, public policy, and regulatory engagement. This position will help monitor legislative and regulatory ...

Ezee Fiber

Manager, Government Affairs

Troy, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Manager, Government Affairs will support efforts related to government relations, public policy, and regulatory engagement. This position will help monitor legislative and regulatory ...

Ezee Fiber

Manager, Government Affairs

Troy, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

The Manager, Government Affairs will support efforts related to government relations, public policy, and regulatory engagement. This position will help monitor legislative and regulatory activities ...

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All JobsGovernment Relations JobsGovernment Relations Jobs in Michigan

Government Relations information

See Michigan salary details

$44.9K

$92.8K

$147.7K

How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations in Michigan is $92,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $117,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is government relations?

Government relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining relationships between an organization and government officials, agencies, or legislators. Professionals in this field advocate for their organization's interests by monitoring legislation, communicating policy positions, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. They often represent organizations during policy discussions and legislative processes, working to influence public policy decisions. Effective government relations can help organizations navigate regulatory environments and anticipate changes that may impact their operations.

What are government relations jobs?

Government relations jobs focus on interaction with the government on various levels, such as acquiring permits for a company, lobbying for legislation, or providing information to legislators on specific topics. Titles in this field include things like government relations director, government relations specialist, and similar terms. Government relations employees often provide advocacy on various topics, help direct company policy towards state and local governments, ensure lines of communication are available to the public, and address concerns from citizens. In this job, you may also work on a proposal for future interaction with each level of the government.

How does a government relations professional typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives?

Government Relations professionals regularly coordinate with internal departments like legal, compliance, public affairs, and executive leadership to ensure that the organization’s messaging and policy positions are consistent and strategic. Externally, they build and maintain relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to advocate for the organization’s interests. This role often involves preparing briefings, organizing stakeholder meetings, and facilitating dialogue to anticipate policy changes and align company strategies with regulatory requirements. Effective collaboration is essential for staying informed and influencing public policy in ways that positively impact the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in government relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Government Relations, you need a solid understanding of public policy, regulatory frameworks, and strong written and verbal communication skills, often supported by a degree in political science, law, or public administration. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, stakeholder management tools, and sometimes certifications like a Registered Lobbyist status are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to build relationships make professionals stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively advocating for organizational interests and shaping public policy outcomes.

What is the difference between Government Relations vs Public Affairs Specialist?

AspectGovernment RelationsPublic Affairs Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in government or policyBachelor's degree, communication or public relations background
Work EnvironmentLobbying, government meetings, policy advocacyMedia relations, community outreach, communication campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesCorporations, PR firms, advocacy groups
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve communication and advocacy, Government Relations focuses on influencing policy and building relationships with government entities. Public Affairs Specialists handle media, public perception, and community engagement. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the public sector and corporate communication fields.

How to get a job in government relations?

To get a job in government relations, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or a related field, along with strong communication and networking skills. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in government or advocacy organizations can also improve prospects. Familiarity with policy analysis, government processes, and relevant tools like lobbying software can be advantageous.
More about Government Relations jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Government Relations jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Government Relations jobs in Michigan?

For Government Relations jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Government Relations jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Relations jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Government Relations jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Government Relations job openings:

Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Relations job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,844 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

State Relations Director

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Purpose
 
The State Relations Director reports to the Chief of Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE) and serves as Wayne State University's lead liaison to the legislative and executive branches of state government. The role is responsible for building and sustaining relationships that maximize funding opportunities, advance the university's policy priorities, and minimize the impact of adverse legislation and regulation on the University, while establishing and enhancing WSU's reputation with individuals and organizations of influence at the state level.
 
The State Relations Director develops and executes a proactive annual state advocacy strategy, monitors pending legislation and regulatory developments affecting the university, and represents WSU's positions before legislators, committees, and executive branch officials. The role oversees the workflow of the university's contracted lobbying staff in Lansing and works with campus partners, including UCAM and Alumni Relations, to build advocacy materials and networks that advance legislative goals.
 
The State Relations Director works with the GRACE team and its goals to keep state, local, regional, and federal-level engagement aligned and strategic, and may support other advocacy activities as needed. The State Relations Director collaborates with campus entities like UCAM and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and campus stakeholders in advocacy, works with Deans and members of the President's Cabinet to coordinate state grant and funding opportunities, and helps establish consistent practices for tracking and evaluating the impact of state government relations work across campus.
 
 
Essential Functions
 
Cultivate and maintain relationships, networks and contacts with state officials, their staff and related organizations and associations. Represent the interests of the University, communicate its program proposals and policy positions and address its problems or concerns with the appropriate officials. Prepare informational materials to be given to the appropriate executive and legislative departments and committees.
 
Serve as a legislative liaison to various WSU stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of GRACE are achieved. Engage external organizations with similar interests (e.g. Michigan Association of State Universities) to collectively advocate the interests of higher education and the university. Serve on external and University-wide boards, task forces and committees to inform decision-making and disseminate pertinent information. Monitor compliance with University policy and possible contractual agreements.
 
Perform research and analysis to assist the Chief of Government Relations and Community Engagement with the development of strategies to communicate the University's position. Monitor pending legislation and regulations that impact the University. Follow bills through committee and meet with appropriate legislators to share the University's position(s). Disseminate information pertaining to state legislation to appropriate University personnel. Provide assistance to Deans and University research personnel in identifying and securing state grants and contracts.  
 
Oversee and coordinate the workflow of the contracted lobbying staff in Lansing.
 
Coordinate and participate in political outreach activities, including the hosting of events and coordinating the visits of state government officials to the University's main campus and regional centers to represent the university and advance its interests.
 
Create a proactive annual advocacy plan that includes in-district engagements when appropriate and work with relevant campus stakeholders (i.e. UCAM and Alumni Relations, etc.) to build out advocacy materials and networks to advance legislative goals.
 
Attend conferences, workshops and informational development seminars and professional groups and organizations to keep abreast of current trends and practices in state government affairs.
 
Perform other related duties as assigned.
 
 
WORK CONTEXT
 
Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean.
 
Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy.
 
Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget.
 
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives.
 
Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor.

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