Executive Director for State Government Relations

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) isseekinga highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Executive 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.

The Executive 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. This position cultivates and fosters bipartisan alliances to address state issues of importance to the University and serves as a liaison between the University and state officials and agencies. The Executive Director will advise the President, the Senior Vice President for External Relations, and executive leadership of the University on state governmental issues and, in collaboration with the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President for External Relations, will assist with the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. This position reports to the Senior Vice President for External Relations.

This position requires an extensive presence in Richmond throughout the year, especially during the General Assembly Session. Visits to legislators in their home districts, as well as attendance at meetings and events in Charlottesville, are required.

Key Priorities

• Develop and implement the University's state legislative strategy, in consultation with the President, Senior Vice President, and executive leadership.
• Successfully advocate for the University on key state issues.
• Cultivate relationships with Virginia legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other Virginia institutions of higher education and other related groups.

Responsibilities

• Build and expand the University's relationships with state legislators, officials, and agencies to strengthen the University's ability to deliver educational, research, and healthcare programs in support of its mission, and to promote the University's participation in economic development initiatives.
• Effectively represent and advocate the University's position on issues and legislation affecting higher education and heighten awareness of the University's contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation.
• Keep the Senior Vice President, President, and other members of the University's leadership team apprised of activities, issues, and concerns from parties in state government.
• Meet with state legislators and testify before legislative committees as necessary to convey the University's priorities and position on a multitude of issues.
• Disseminate relevant information and data to bolster support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the Commonwealth and the University.
• Monitor relevant legislative and state activities during the General Assembly session and throughout the year.
• Partner with other Virginia public colleges and universities, as well as other related groups such as the Virginia Business Higher Education Council and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, to advance higher education and healthcare priorities.
• Provide high-level information and analysis to members of the University's leadership team about state matters that are critical to the University's mission and assist the President and leadership in developing a comprehensive legislative agenda and strategy.
• Meet and build relationships with designated University officials as needed to share information about recent activities and emerging issues to ensure that all efforts are coordinated.
• Manage a small high-performing team in the Richmond Office committed to advancing the University's position on state-related issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

Professional Experience

• Considerable 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.
• Management experience leading a team is preferred.
• 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.

Interpersonal Characteristics

• Exceptional personal and professional integrity.
• Thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative.
• High level of personal self-confidence with genuine humility.
• An excellent verbal and written communicator.
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver concise, compelling messages.
• Strong interpersonal skills by navigating relationships with high level of emotional intelligence.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with diverse constituencies at all levels.
• Proven track record of confidentiality and exercising discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: bachelor's degree required; master's or other advanced degree preferred
• Experience: ten years of relevant experience
• 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,benefitedposition. Learn more aboutUVA benefits.
• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
• This position is headquartered in Richmond, VA. A hybrid schedule combining in-person and remote work is available during certain times of the year, with on-site presence in both Richmond and Charlottesville, as well as other areas across Virginia, 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. The ideal candidate will reside within a reasonable driving distance of Richmond, VA, with the ability to commute as needed.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will beginafter12/8/2025.

Additional Requirements

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

• This positionwill notconsider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please applyonline, by searching for requisition number R0078478. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submissionfield. You cansubmitmultiple documents intothis onefield 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 berequested, with at least three responsesrequired.

Contact

• Foradditionalinformation about the position, please contact April Sibiski, Director of Staff Success for External Relations, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contactJonFreeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.

TheUniversity of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Clickhereto read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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.

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.