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University Government Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$126K - $196K/yr

Lead external engagement with think tanks and like organizations as well as university government relations offices. * Coordinate activities for multi-lab briefings/events and when applicable ...

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

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 ...

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University Government Relations information

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$51.5K

$106.5K

$169.5K

How much do university government relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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 is 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.

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.

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.

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.

Are university government relations jobs stressful?

University government relations jobs can be stressful due to the need to manage complex stakeholder relationships, navigate policy changes, and meet deadlines. The role often requires strong communication skills, political awareness, and the ability to handle pressure in a dynamic environment.
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:

Infographic showing various University Government Relations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,522 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Interim Deputy Director, Government Relations Interim Deputy Director, Government Relations Arg[...]

Washington, DC • On-site

$126K - $196K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Interim Deputy Director, Government Relations

Argonne National Laboratory

Hybrid · Washington, DC, US

8 months ago

Job Description

We invite you to apply for the Interim Deputy Director, Government Relations within our Science & Technology Partnerships and Outreach Directorate. This is a hybrid role with office space in our Washington D.C., Wharf location. This position is a two-year interim assignment and will conclude at the end of the two-year term. In this role, you will provide support to the Interim Director of Government Relations, Office of the Director (OTD) and other laboratory organizations as an external liaison. You will assist in the planning, coordination, and direction of a variety of technical and non-technical liaison activities. You will also prepare written and verbal analysis of federal budget material and monitor legislative activity, Congressional committees, federal advisory board meetings, think tank activities and other forums to help identify engagement opportunities for the lab.

Success in this role will require members of the Government Relations Office and other laboratory organizations to help develop and implement integrated and cohesive government relations activities in support of Argonne National Lab’s major scientific and infrastructure initiatives.

As requested, you will provide information and represent Argonne to Congressional staff from personal member offices and House and Senate committees and D.C. area-based science and technology organizations. You will assume a leadership role in developing collaborations with these organizations, including think tanks and university government relations offices.

Key Responsibilities
  • Draft analysis, strategy, and decision documents for Argonne leadership.

  • Build and maintain relationships with laboratory leadership to develop an understanding of major research initiatives and collaboratively respond to inquiries from Congress about Argonne programs.

  • In collaboration with laboratory leadership and the Interim Director of Government Relations, help develop and implement tactical outreach strategies to increase awareness of Argonne’s programs, research, and capabilities to key Washington D.C. stakeholders.

  • Lead external engagement with think tanks and like organizations as well as university government relations offices.

  • Coordinate activities for multi-lab briefings/events and when applicable, national laboratory day events that are held in Washington and in states without national laboratories.

Position Requirements
  • PA5: Bachelors and 10+ years of experience, Masters and 6+ years, or equivalent

  • Knowledge of federal budgetary and appropriations processes and legislative processes and procedures.

  • Experience and skill to research, analyze and synthesize large amounts of data.

  • Relationship building skills and experience building external partnerships over time

  • Experience working independently without local supervision

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

  • To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.

This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

External Relations 5

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $126,000.00 - $196,560.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-based basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Argonne National Laboratory, one of the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories for science and engineering research, employs 3,400 employees, including 1,400 scientists and engineers, three-quarters of whom hold doctoral degrees. Argonne's annual operating budget of around $1 billion supports upwards of 200 research projects. Since 1990, Argonne has worked ...

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