ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

University Government Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Toledo

Government Relations School/Unit: Government Relations - 100410 Categories: Management ... Oversee community engagement for UToledo including University sponsorships, partnerships, events ...

University of Toledo

Director of Government Relations and Community Engagement Apply now Job no: 501135 Work type: Staff ... Oversee community engagement for UToledo including University sponsorships, partnerships, events ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUniversity Government Relations Jobs

University Government Relations information

See salary details

$51.5K

$106.5K

$169.5K

How much do university government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for university 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 university government relations?

University government relations refer to the efforts and activities by colleges and universities to build and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies. These professionals advocate for the institution’s interests, such as funding, legislation, and policy initiatives that impact higher education. They often coordinate lobbying efforts, monitor policy developments, and act as a liaison between the university and government entities. Their work is vital for securing resources and influencing public policy to benefit the university community.

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

AspectUniversity Government RelationsUniversity Public Affairs
Primary FocusBuilding relationships with government agencies and policymakersManaging communication and reputation with the public and media
Work EnvironmentPolicy offices, government buildings, campusMedia outlets, community events, campus
Required CredentialsTypically a background in political science, public policy, or related fieldsOften a background in communications, public relations, or media studies

University Government Relations primarily focuses on engaging with government entities to influence policy and secure funding, while University Public Affairs handles communication strategies to promote the university's image and manage public perception. Both roles are essential for university advocacy but differ in their core activities and target audiences.

What is a career in government relations?

A career in government relations involves managing communication and advocacy between an organization and government entities. Professionals in this field often work to influence policy, ensure compliance, and build relationships with policymakers, requiring skills in communication, negotiation, and understanding of political processes.

What can you do with a government and politics degree?

A government and politics degree prepares individuals for roles in university government relations, policy analysis, public administration, lobbying, and advocacy. Graduates often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or political campaigns, utilizing skills in communication, research, and understanding of political processes.

What to do with a public affairs degree?

A public affairs degree can lead to roles in government relations, advocacy, policy analysis, and public communication. Jobs often require strong communication skills, knowledge of government processes, and familiarity with policy research tools. Graduates may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporate public affairs departments.

How does a University Government Relations professional typically collaborate with faculty and administrators to advance institutional priorities?

University Government Relations professionals frequently work with faculty and administrators to identify legislative priorities, communicate institutional needs, and develop advocacy strategies. They coordinate meetings, prepare briefing materials, and facilitate direct engagement between university leaders and policymakers. This collaborative approach ensures that the university’s interests are effectively represented at local, state, and federal levels, and helps align internal initiatives with external funding and policy opportunities.

How to break into government relations?

Breaking into university government relations typically requires a background in political science, public policy, or related fields, along with experience in advocacy, policy analysis, or stakeholder engagement. Building a network through internships, volunteering, or entry-level roles and developing strong communication and negotiation skills are essential steps to enter this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a University Government Relations professional, and why are they important?

Success in University Government Relations requires expertise in public policy, higher education administration, and a relevant degree such as public affairs or political science. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, advocacy platforms, and compliance systems is typically necessary. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic negotiation skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively representing university interests, influencing policy, and fostering productive partnerships with government stakeholders.
More about University Government Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for University Government Relations jobs? Cities with the most University Government Relations job openings:
What states have the most University Government Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for University Government Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching University Government Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for University Government Relations jobs are:
University Government Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Government Relations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,522 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Government Relations Director

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Xavier University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 614 rated colleges and universities

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.

What Xavier University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply