Director of Government Affairs

Summary:

MSU Denver is excited to welcome a Director of Government Affairs to lead the university's work in developing and advocating for legislation in support of its students and mission.

This position will be a vital member of the University Strategy and External Affairs team and will lead the creation and execution of the university's government affairs strategy. The Director will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with government officials and their staff at local, state, and federal levels to advance MSU Denver's priorities. With key legislative and funding opportunities on the horizon, the Director will be central in positioning the university to succeed in an evolving policy landscape.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and demonstrated skill working effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Relations Strategy:

• Lead the annual development and execution of a comprehensive state legislative strategy to represent MSU Denver's policy interests.
• Lead the creation of the University's public funding plan, including annual and long-term strategies for increasing base funding and supporting infrastructure and grant initiatives.
• Manage the university's contract lobby team to monitor and respond to legislative and policy proposals that could impact the university and its community, including in areas such as: curriculum, financial aid, student success, employment matters, and more.

Advocacy and Relationship Building:

• Create and lead the implementation of engagement plans for elected officials, appointed officials, and their staff, at the city, state and federal levels.
• Personally cultivate positive, influential relationships with elected officials and their staff, government agencies, and relevant advocacy organizations.
• Re-activate and lead the MSU Denver Champions grassroots advocacy group. Develop and execute strategies, including events and learning sessions, to educate the university community on legislative processes, priorities and opportunities for engagement.
• Establish an annual strategy to activate MSU Denver Champions to engage in support of policy priorities through testimony, direct outreach, and collective action.
• Plan an annual MSU Denver Day at the Capitol event with students, alumni, faculty, and staff to enhance visibility and promote key advocacy messages to state elected officials.
• Lead a committee of external stakeholders (Trustees, Community Cabinet, MSU Denver Foundation Board, etc.) to develop outreach and communications plans to advocate for legislative priorities and funding opportunities that benefit MSU Denver.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Regularly engage with university faculty, staff and students to identify policy opportunities, stories of impact, and strong voices for advocacy.
• Work with the university's Budget teams and other internal stakeholders to accurately assess both the policy and fiscal impacts of proposed legislation.
• Support university leadership, in partnership with the Office of the General Counsel, to implement new legislative initiatives and comply with policy changes.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations to external audiences that clearly communicate the university's government affairs strategies and inspire engagement.

Operations:

• Develop and maintain database to track engagement activities, communications, and advocacy efforts and provide regular reports to university leadership.
• Provide regular reports on legislative activities and progress to university stakeholders.
• Prepare and present annual analysis of advocacy actions and their impacts on policy outcomes.
• Track legislatively required reports and ensure timely completion of the report by the university's subject-matter expert.
• Act as one of the designated representatives for the Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs in, engaging in university leadership matters when needed.

Performs additional miscellaneous job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in government affairs, legislative relations, policy development, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of government processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and activate relationships with government officials, agencies, and diverse stakeholder coalitions to advance shared goals.
• Significant experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives to successful outcomes.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
• Strong results-orientation and accountability, with a commitment to integrity and collaborative teamwork across diverse groups.
• Commitment to the university mission and CADRE values, with an ability to build strong internal connections to support a successful government relations strategy.

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in government affairs
• Experience working with the Colorado state legislature and local advocacy organizations.
• Knowledge of Colorado higher education policy and funding dynamics.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualication. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Primarily in-person (80%), seasonal opportunities for a hybrid schedule (June-Sept) (subject to supervisor approval)
Travel: Short-term, out-of-state travel required up to 4x/year

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range is $130,000-$150,000.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by November 2, 2025.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.