Senior Director of Government Relations
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, United States, 95522
Senior Director of Government Relations
Job no: 554586 – Work type: Management (MPP) – Location: Humboldt – Close Date: March 22, 2026
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership and operations management for Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, community, and regional governmental relations program. The role develops and executes campus‑based advocacy strategies that advance university priorities, supports CSU‑sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, recruits and trains key support groups, and strengthens the university’s visibility and influence among partners.
Key Responsibilities
Government Relations and Advocacy Management (30%)
– Direct and manage federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities; develop and implement strategic advocacy plans; monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals; represent the university in meetings with elected officials and agencies.
Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (25%)
– Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Offices of Advocacy & State Relations and Federal Relations; coordinate campus input into system‑wide initiatives; prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for senior leaders.
Advocacy and Partnership Building (15%)
– Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for university projects and policy initiatives among constituencies; serve on advisory boards and represent the university.
Regional and Community Government Relations (10%)
– Serve as campus liaison to regional civic groups and non‑profit agencies; represent the university on external boards, committees, and task forces to strengthen partnerships supporting regional development and community engagement.
Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (15%)
– Interface with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to align internal priorities with external advocacy; convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts; provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders on governmental processes and compliance.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
– Perform additional assignments as directed by university leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to network with a broad range of constituents through strong oral/written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, community stakeholders, and organizations.
Ability to work collaboratively with the President, Executive Cabinet, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Alumni Director, Campus Research Officer, and University Researchers.
Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials.
Effective problem‑solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high attention to detail and follow‑through.
Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
Communication skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures, legislative processes, and public policy development, particularly as they relate to higher education.
Ability to analyze complex policy, legislative, and budget issues; assess political feasibility and institutional risk; and develop strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony, correspondence, and executive‑level briefing materials.
Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the university to elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and a wide range of stakeholder viewpoints.
Knowledge of ethics, compliance, and regulatory requirements related to governmental advocacy.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of direct experience doing advocacy work and interacting with elected officials and staff within California (college/university system, legislative, county, state, tribal, or federal office).
A valid driver’s license and working vehicle; successful completion of the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for CSU campuses.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications.
Knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor’s office.
Experience in higher education government relations specifically (budget, capital outlay, financial aid, research funding).
Experience working with tribal governments.
Experience managing or coordinating external government relations consultants.
Familiarity with state budget and appropriations processes.
Application Procedure To apply, electronically submit the following materials:
Letter of Interest
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three supervisory references
Application Deadline:
11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026.
For inquiries about this recruitment, contact careers@humboldt.edu or the Human Resources Office at (707) 826‑3626.
Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people. The university is committed to fostering respectful relationships with the Wiyot people and all neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the CSU system to offer a stand‑alone major in Native American Studies.
Cal Poly Humboldt – Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with experience in diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply. Working in the state of California is a condition of employment. The employee must maintain a permanent residence in California and be able to accept on‑campus assignments when required.
California State University recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity comply with the COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. The position may require compliance with the Clery Act, Conflict of Interest Code, and other CSU policies. Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to appointment; satisfactory completion of a background check is required.
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the California Equity in Higher Education Act, among other applicable laws. The university prohibits discrimination and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.
All CSU staff and faculty receive annual training on responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Class Code: [3306] | Publication Date: [02/20/2026]
Advertised:
20 Feb 2026 Pacific Standard Time |
Applications close:
22 Mar 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
For assistance with faculty positions, contact the APS team at (707) 826‑5086 or email aps@humboldt.edu. For assistance with staff positions, contact the HR team at (707) 826‑3626 or email careers@humboldt.edu.
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Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership and operations management for Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, community, and regional governmental relations program. The role develops and executes campus‑based advocacy strategies that advance university priorities, supports CSU‑sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, recruits and trains key support groups, and strengthens the university’s visibility and influence among partners.
Key Responsibilities
Government Relations and Advocacy Management (30%)
– Direct and manage federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities; develop and implement strategic advocacy plans; monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals; represent the university in meetings with elected officials and agencies.
Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (25%)
– Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor’s Offices of Advocacy & State Relations and Federal Relations; coordinate campus input into system‑wide initiatives; prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for senior leaders.
Advocacy and Partnership Building (15%)
– Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for university projects and policy initiatives among constituencies; serve on advisory boards and represent the university.
Regional and Community Government Relations (10%)
– Serve as campus liaison to regional civic groups and non‑profit agencies; represent the university on external boards, committees, and task forces to strengthen partnerships supporting regional development and community engagement.
Strategic Outreach and Project Planning (15%)
– Interface with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to align internal priorities with external advocacy; convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts; provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders on governmental processes and compliance.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
– Perform additional assignments as directed by university leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to network with a broad range of constituents through strong oral/written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, community stakeholders, and organizations.
Ability to work collaboratively with the President, Executive Cabinet, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Alumni Director, Campus Research Officer, and University Researchers.
Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials.
Effective problem‑solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high attention to detail and follow‑through.
Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
Communication skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures, legislative processes, and public policy development, particularly as they relate to higher education.
Ability to analyze complex policy, legislative, and budget issues; assess political feasibility and institutional risk; and develop strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony, correspondence, and executive‑level briefing materials.
Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the university to elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and a wide range of stakeholder viewpoints.
Knowledge of ethics, compliance, and regulatory requirements related to governmental advocacy.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of direct experience doing advocacy work and interacting with elected officials and staff within California (college/university system, legislative, county, state, tribal, or federal office).
A valid driver’s license and working vehicle; successful completion of the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for CSU campuses.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications.
Knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor’s office.
Experience in higher education government relations specifically (budget, capital outlay, financial aid, research funding).
Experience working with tribal governments.
Experience managing or coordinating external government relations consultants.
Familiarity with state budget and appropriations processes.
Application Procedure To apply, electronically submit the following materials:
Letter of Interest
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three supervisory references
Application Deadline:
11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026.
For inquiries about this recruitment, contact careers@humboldt.edu or the Human Resources Office at (707) 826‑3626.
Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people. The university is committed to fostering respectful relationships with the Wiyot people and all neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the CSU system to offer a stand‑alone major in Native American Studies.
Cal Poly Humboldt – Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with experience in diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply. Working in the state of California is a condition of employment. The employee must maintain a permanent residence in California and be able to accept on‑campus assignments when required.
California State University recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity comply with the COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. The position may require compliance with the Clery Act, Conflict of Interest Code, and other CSU policies. Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to appointment; satisfactory completion of a background check is required.
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the California Equity in Higher Education Act, among other applicable laws. The university prohibits discrimination and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.
All CSU staff and faculty receive annual training on responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Class Code: [3306] | Publication Date: [02/20/2026]
Advertised:
20 Feb 2026 Pacific Standard Time |
Applications close:
22 Mar 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
For assistance with faculty positions, contact the APS team at (707) 826‑5086 or email aps@humboldt.edu. For assistance with staff positions, contact the HR team at (707) 826‑3626 or email careers@humboldt.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr