Virginia State Government

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Associate or Senior Associate Director for State Government Relations. External Relations supports the University's fourfold mission of teaching, research, health care, and public service by fundraising for pan-University strategic priorities, promoting the University's position in Richmond, and providing resources and expertise to the University's external relations community. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Position Summary
The Associate or Senior Associate Director for State Government Relations plays an integral role in advancing the University's priorities and representing the University's position on issues with Virginia legislators and state government officials. Under the direction of the Executive Director, this position cultivates and fosters bipartisan alliances to address state issues of importance to the University. The Associate or Senior Associate Director serves as a liaison between the University and state officials and agencies and contributes to the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution.
This position requires an extensive presence in Richmond throughout the year, especially during the General Assembly Session. Periodic visits to legislators in their home districts, as well as attendance at meetings and events in Charlottesville, are required.
Key Priorities
Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Associate/Senior Associate will support the following:

• Implementing the University's state legislative strategy,
• Successfully advocating for the University on key state issues,
• Cultivating relationships with Virginia legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other Virginia institutions of higher education and other related groups.

Responsibilities
• Attend meetings of and monitor administrative and legislative studies, commissions, and committees to evaluate impact on the University and the College at Wise, including possible opportunities for engagement and participation by faculty and staff.
• Manage calendar of state meetings and develop and distribute meeting summaries and/or reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Leverage existing relationships with legislators and aides, while building relationships with others.
• Assist in the development and execution of strategies to advance the University's legislative, budget, and capital priorities.
• Coordinate meetings with legislators and other state officials on in Richmond and legislative districts, on Grounds, at the College at Wise, and at other University-related functions.
• Research and maintain an updated list of University alumni, faculty, and staff who serve on commissions and boards, in the General Assembly and as legislative and executive staff (correct wording?).
• Coordinate with other University organizations that interact with state legislative and executive branch officials.
• Follow up on constituent requests from legislators or other government officials.
• Serve as liaison to students, faculty and staff, providing assistance with outreach efforts.
• Conduct research and analysis in the preparation of documents, reports, and presentations.
• Draft internal and external correspondence, executive summaries, and talking points.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate possesses a demonstrated record of creative, inspiring, and accomplished leadership in complex environments with the highest level of commitment to advancing the organization's goals.
While no single individual will possess all the desired experience and qualifications, the successful candidate will possess many of the following attributes:

• Experience working with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, and their staff.
• Demonstrated understanding of the legislative and budget processes and key policy issues facing higher education in Virginia.
• Ability to mobilize support for institutional legislative, operating, and capital priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all levels of an organization and within state government.
• Working knowledge of higher education institution structure and functions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages.
• Proven track record of confidentiality and exercising discretion.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity
• Thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of related experience required for the Associate Director; 8+ years for the Sr. Associate Director. Experience with Virginia state government strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word Excel Power Point etc.
• Licensure: None

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is headquartered in Richmond, VA, although an extensive presence in Charlottesville throughout the year is required. The ideal candidate will reside within a reasonable driving distance of Richmond, VA, with the ability to commute multiple days per week.
A hybrid schedule combining in-person and remote work is available, with on-site presence required for key meetings, activities, and events. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools when working remotely.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0085179 . Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success for External Relations, at April.Sibiski@virginia.edu .

• For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong , das6zb @virginia.edu .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
Job Profile
J1285 - Public Relations Professional 3
Career Stream and Level
Professional-P3
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .