Executive Director of Government Relations - Fresno State

Another Source's client, Fresno State, is recruiting a Director of Government Relations to join their team on-site in Fresno, CA.

About Fresno State and the Office of the President

Fresno State is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system and the leading public university in Central California. Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno State serves more than 24,000 students across eight schools and colleges. The university is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, diversity, and commitment to student success, with strong contributions to agriculture, education, engineering, health, the arts, and public service. Guided by its core values of discovery, diversity, and distinction, Fresno State prepares students to lead and drive positive change across the region and beyond.

The Office of the President provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the university, advancing Fresno State's mission and strengthening partnerships across the Central Valley, the State of California, and the nation. The office leads key initiatives in government and community relations, public affairs, and university advancement, working collaboratively with campus leadership and external partners to elevate Fresno State's impact and visibility.

Learn more about Fresno State and the Office of the President.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director of Government Relations directs and oversees Fresno State's governmental relations activities in consultation with the President, Vice President for Administration, campus leadership and in close coordination with the California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Office, to plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive government relations strategy that advances Fresno State's mission and goals with local, regional, state and federal elected officials.

The Executive Director is responsible for managing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions as well as campus initiatives designed to advance the mission and priorities of the campus. In conjunction with senior campus leadership, this position shares responsibility for elevating the visibility and public funding for the campus. The Executive Director will advocate for Fresno State interests and build relationships with other organizations and entities whose interests are similar or whose functions affect Fresno State. Success in this role requires the ability to pivot quickly, remain flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and work collaboratively across the campus and in close coordination with colleagues throughout the CSU.

What You'll Be Doing:

Establish relationships with and maintain high visibility and credibility with various governmental entities on a local, state, regional and nation level as well other appropriate members and staff of advocacy organizations and agencies. Travel regularly to the various sites to maintain these relationships, in order to promote the visibility of Fresno State.

• Act as the campus' chief liaison to legislators, district offices and government officials.

• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and on various University committees and task forces.

• Work and coordinate directly with Vice President for Administration/Chief Financial Officer to develop advocacy plans that will positively influence funding for Fresno State.

• Develop a variety of materials-including talking points, summaries, and reports-in partnership with marketing and communications to advance Fresno State's government relations agenda.

• Assess and prepare all written material relative to legislative matters, including bill position correspondence, briefing documents and issue regular updates on relevant subject matters.

• Direct a comprehensive program to create awareness, build relationships and generate support for Fresno State's programs, activities and initiatives.

• Develop a robust and university-wide schedule of programs and activities to cultivate the interest and involvement of government officials and organizations, including senior campus leadership, deans and faculty.

• Develop and manage an annual strategic plan and budget for government relations activities.

• Act as the campus' initial point of contact regarding legislative and policy issues and the state budget.

• Lead responsibility for monitoring state and federal budget processes and policy matters by tracking legislative policy and appropriations processes, advocating for Fresno State funding, identifying, engaging and mobilizing third party advocates, and proactively exploring and identifying new funding opportunities to advance the campus' strategic priorities.

• Monitor and provide basic analysis of legislation to determine its policy, legal and fiscal implications for the campus as well and keep apprised of current and emerging political trends and issues related to research and teaching that impact or have the potential to impact Fresno State.

• Work closely and on a regular basis with personnel of the various divisions in the Advocacy and State Relations/Chancellor's Office to prepare appropriate information to pursue campus objectives.

• Draft position letters, legislative language and testimony, arrange for and prepare witnesses at hearing and represent the campus at meetings and conferences.

• Work with advocates for other universities, K-12, higher education associations, representatives of labor unions and advocates for private and public entities in order to build legislative coalitions.

• Provide information that enhances the Legislative and Executive Branches' understanding of the campus purposes and achievements and awareness of emerging issues.

• Participate in the overall strategic direction of Fresno State's advocacy efforts.

• Travel with the president to Sacramento and Washington, DC, to represent and further the interests of Fresno State.

Minimum Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of the organization, functions, process and procedures of the California Legislature, Executive Branch, and/or state higher education.

• Knowledge and experience in policy making and/or political arenas.

• Knowledge of California's educational system including the California State University.

• Knowledge of higher education current issues and challenges.

• Knowledge of Microsoft software suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills (i.e., high EQ), including successful negotiation and persuasion skills.

• Strong oral presentation and public speaking skills.

• Political acumen to enable sound, independent judgments leading to successful interactions with diverse internal and external constituents.

Abilities:

• Ability to analyze state and national trends, issues and political developments that could impact the university.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, facilitate open discussions and collaborate with and respond to multiple constituencies, and write clear and concise reports.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a legislative or higher education office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration or comparable graduate degree preferred.

• A strong working relationship with key personnel in government who are in positions of influence on issues of importance to Fresno State is essential to perform.

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the Fresno State Vision Statement and the core values

• Experience working with a diverse and multicultural population and performing community services.

What's in it for you:

The anticipated annual salary range is $150,000 - $185,000

Why a career with CSU is for You https://adminfinance.fresnostate.edu/hr/benefits/index.html

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all the campus has to offer.

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities.

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee's salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service.

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)

• Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or services)

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:

The California State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all CSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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