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ClassWallet

Director, Government Relations

ClassWallet, a leading financial technology company in the United States, is seeking to hire a Director, Government Relations to join our team. ClassWallet is a financial technology company serving ...

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How much do government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for government relations in the United States is $106,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Government Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Relations jobs? Cities with the most Government Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Government Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Relations jobs are:
Government Relations jobs near you
Government Relations Director

Government Relations Director

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Current Xavier University employees must apply to the internal career site by logging into WorkdayGovernment Relations Director

The Government & Community Affairs Director serves as the primary strategic advisor to the university's academic and executive leadership on all matters related to government affairs and public policy. Located within the Division of Legal Affairs, this role is responsible for the active monitoring of local, state, and federal policy trends and for cultivating essential relationships with political and community leaders. The Director advocates for the university's interests, represents the institution to external audiences, and leads efforts to secure public funding, including grants and legislative appropriations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following essential functions represent the primary focus of this full-time role:

Strategic Policy Analysis & Executive Advising

  • Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive GSA (Government and Strategic Affairs) strategic plan to align university advocacy with long-term institutional goals and federal compliance mandates.
  • Manage the university's strategic posture regarding federal entities (e.g., GSA, SAM.gov), ensuring institutional compliance with modernized federal representation and certification requirements.
  • Act as the primary advisor to executive leadership on legislative trends that affect institutional funding and operational autonomy.
  • Draft white papers, policy briefs, and executive testimony regarding higher education legislation and regional economic development.
  • Monitor legislative calendars and regulatory changes at the local, state, and federal levels that impact higher education.

Government Funding & Grant Procurement

  • Identify and lead the identification and pursuit of government funding opportunities, including federal and state grants and legislative appropriations.
  • Collaborate with university leadership to align institutional priorities (e.g., infrastructure, research, student aid) with available public funding streams.
  • Coordinate with the Development office to support institutional advancement through political and community-based fundraising initiatives.
  • Lead the development of advocacy materials and proposals targeting government agencies and legislative committees.

Legislative Advocacy & Association Leadership

  • Act as the University's primary Registered Lobbyist, maintaining active engagement in the Ohio Statehouse and with federal agencies.
  • Serve as the principal liaison to key advocacy organizations, including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Government Relations Network and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO).
  • Represent the university officially on political and public-policy issues to external stakeholders and news sources.
  • Coordinate and promote the university's legislative agenda through direct communication with internal and external partners.

Community Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Direct the university's community-engaged roles and cultivate relationships with civic leaders in the city, region, and state.
  • Identify, plan, and lead community engagement projects that align with the university's strategic goals.
  • Support institutional advancement by leveraging political and community connections for fundraising and partnership opportunities.

Institutional Impact Measurement & Reporting

  • Design and execute a data-driven framework to quantify the university's socio-economic and educational impact within the Greater Cincinnati region and the State of Ohio.
  • Author the Annual Xavier Impact Report, a high-profile publication detailing the university's economic contributions, volunteerism, research impact, and regional partnership outcomes.

Administrative & Division Leadership

  • Manage the administrative operations of the GCR office, including website maintenance and program coordination.
  • Supervise student workers or interns in the administration of political engagement activities.

Requirements & Skills

Education & Experience

  • Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Required: 1-3 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field.
  • Preferred: Master's degree or higher (with an expectation of completion within two years of hire).

Core Skills

  • Analytical: Advanced ability to reformulate complex problems and recognize the implications of legislative decisions.
  • Communication: Highly proficient written and oral communication skills; ability to negotiate and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.
  • Lobbying & Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and collaborate on major projects with political leaders.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage project schedules, accountabilities, and deadlines independently.
  • Technical: Intermediate proficiency in spreadsheet analysis models and database/website maintenance.

Independence and Decision Making

  • Independence: The incumbent sets own goals and determines how to accomplish results with few guidelines; the supervisor provides broad direction.

Decision Making: Decisions have significant implications for the management and operations of the division and contribute to the overall strategy of the entire organization.

Benefits - applies only to full-time positions:

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class:

  • Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.

  • Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.

  • Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.

  • Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays.

  • Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

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