Senior Director of Government Relations
The California State University, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Overview
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Job no:
554586 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
Humboldt Categories:
MPP, Executive, At-Will, Full Time, Education Support Professionals, On-site (work in-person at business location) Office of the President/Chief of Staff 554586 Close Date: March 22 nd , 2026 At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world. Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt. Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. Position
(554586) Administrator III, Senior Director of Government Relations, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 – $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,166- $15,833 per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, at-will position in University Advancement. This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP). Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President. Additional information can be found at: http://www.calstate.edu/HRAdm/policies/mpp.shtml . This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits . 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. This position is responsible for developing and executing campus-based advocacy strategies that advance University priorities, support CSU sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and for strengthening Cal Poly Humboldt’s visibility and influence among its partners. The Senior Director serves as the primary liaison between state, federal and regional agencies, state and congressional delegation, and other state elected officials throughout California. Acting with a high degree of independent judgement, the Senior Director also serves the President’s liaison to regional government and civic organizations. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the VP and the University President to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals. Key Responsibilities
Government Relations and Advocacy Management
— 30% Direct and manage Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities. Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans aligned with University and CSU system priorities. Monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting higher education and the University, assess potential impacts, and recommend strategic responses. Represent the University in meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies, including participation in advocacy visits and briefings. Strategic Outreach and Project Planning
— 25% Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor's Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor's Office of Federal Relations, and other external governmental consultants. Coordinate campus input into CSU systemwide legislative, regulatory, and budget initiatives. Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders to support effective engagement with governmental stakeholders. Advocacy and Partnership Building
— 15% Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for Cal Poly Humboldt projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent the university Regional and Community Government Relations
— 10% Serves as a campus liaison to regional civic groups and non-profit agencies. Represent the University on external boards, committees, and task forces, as appropriate. Strengthen partnerships that support regional economic development, educational access, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission. Strategic Outreach and Project Planning
— 15% Interfaces with students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the university to align internal priorities with external advocacy efforts. Convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts to support policy development, data-informed advocacy, and effective communication with governmental partners. Provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders regarding governmental processes, advocacy protocols, and compliance requirements. Other Duties as Assigned
— 5% Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years direct experience doing advocacy work and direct interaction with elected officials and staff within California (College University system, legislative, County, State, Tribal or Federal Office) is required. A valid driver's license and working car is required for this position. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University 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 is preferred 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, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button: Letter of Interest Resume or Curriculum Vitae Contact information for at least three supervisory references Application Deadline:
The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026. Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626. Legal and Equal Opportunity
We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people. Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in education and employment. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. CSU strongly recommends vaccination and compliance with safety measures as applicable. Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority,” and is required to comply with CSU Executive Order 1107 as a condition of employment. Additional Notices:
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS). Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. A background check and other verification may be required. This position is a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code. All university programs and activities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. CSU nondiscrimination policies apply.
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Apply now
Job no:
554586 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
Humboldt Categories:
MPP, Executive, At-Will, Full Time, Education Support Professionals, On-site (work in-person at business location) Office of the President/Chief of Staff 554586 Close Date: March 22 nd , 2026 At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world. Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt. Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. Position
(554586) Administrator III, Senior Director of Government Relations, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 – $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,166- $15,833 per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, at-will position in University Advancement. This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP). Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President. Additional information can be found at: http://www.calstate.edu/HRAdm/policies/mpp.shtml . This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits . 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. This position is responsible for developing and executing campus-based advocacy strategies that advance University priorities, support CSU sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and for strengthening Cal Poly Humboldt’s visibility and influence among its partners. The Senior Director serves as the primary liaison between state, federal and regional agencies, state and congressional delegation, and other state elected officials throughout California. Acting with a high degree of independent judgement, the Senior Director also serves the President’s liaison to regional government and civic organizations. In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the VP and the University President to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals. Key Responsibilities
Government Relations and Advocacy Management
— 30% Direct and manage Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities. Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans aligned with University and CSU system priorities. Monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting higher education and the University, assess potential impacts, and recommend strategic responses. Represent the University in meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies, including participation in advocacy visits and briefings. Strategic Outreach and Project Planning
— 25% Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor's Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor's Office of Federal Relations, and other external governmental consultants. Coordinate campus input into CSU systemwide legislative, regulatory, and budget initiatives. Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders to support effective engagement with governmental stakeholders. Advocacy and Partnership Building
— 15% Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for Cal Poly Humboldt projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent the university Regional and Community Government Relations
— 10% Serves as a campus liaison to regional civic groups and non-profit agencies. Represent the University on external boards, committees, and task forces, as appropriate. Strengthen partnerships that support regional economic development, educational access, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission. Strategic Outreach and Project Planning
— 15% Interfaces with students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the university to align internal priorities with external advocacy efforts. Convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts to support policy development, data-informed advocacy, and effective communication with governmental partners. Provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders regarding governmental processes, advocacy protocols, and compliance requirements. Other Duties as Assigned
— 5% Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years direct experience doing advocacy work and direct interaction with elected officials and staff within California (College University system, legislative, County, State, Tribal or Federal Office) is required. A valid driver's license and working car is required for this position. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University 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 is preferred 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, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button: Letter of Interest Resume or Curriculum Vitae Contact information for at least three supervisory references Application Deadline:
The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026. Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626. Legal and Equal Opportunity
We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people. Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in education and employment. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. CSU strongly recommends vaccination and compliance with safety measures as applicable. Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority,” and is required to comply with CSU Executive Order 1107 as a condition of employment. Additional Notices:
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS). Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. A background check and other verification may be required. This position is a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code. All university programs and activities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. CSU nondiscrimination policies apply.
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