Assistant Vice Chancellor

About the role

This position serves as the system legislative liaison for assigned south Texas institutions in the Texas A&M System. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and will serve as a member of the A&M System Government Relations team reviewing, monitoring, and responding to legislative actions impacting assigned institutions. This person will also establish and maintain key contacts within assigned institutions as well as in all levels of legislature, state agencies, and higher education.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the System liaison for assigned south Texas institutions within the Texas A&M University System.
• Provide strategic legislative approaches to support the legislative and appropriations needs of the assigned institutions.
• Work with the assigned institutions' elected members and staff in securing state appropriations and passage of legislation.
• Assist the Office of Federal Relations in managing issues and relationships with the local offices/staff of federal elected officials as directed.
• Cultivate and maintain key relationships at assigned institutions through regular communication and campus visits.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with federal, state and local government officials, government departments and agencies, as an advocate for the TAMUS mission.
• Coordinate and support high-profile visits, engagements, and events with Members of the Texas Legislature.
• Identify, communicate, and pursue opportunities for funding enhancements via the state appropriations process.
• Monitor, research, analyze and review legislation that may affect TAMUS and its institutions and agencies, and prepare/present verbal and written status updates on developments.
• Work in concert with Government Relations colleagues to assist in the preparation of materials for speeches, legislative hearings, correspondence and direct responses to legislative inquiries, tailoring the information to fit the audience.
• Research various state higher education and general government policy issues.
• Research and prepare policy papers, reports, presentations and summary information concerning assigned institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of experience working with the legislature, government, or higher education.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the state and federal legislative processes.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with legislative and leadership staff.
• Proven ability to support others as they advocate on behalf of an organization or position.
• Ability to identify strategic opportunities to cultivate support for issues or positions.
• Ability to develop effective strategies to meet goals and deadlines.
• Ability to coordinate among a large team.
• Strong project and time management skills and ability to handle multiple, shifting, and competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in transforming complex information, data, and research findings into compelling and understandable narratives for specific audiences.
• Ability to motivate and influence others where there is not a direct reporting relationship.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and build relationships with stakeholders from different viewpoints and backgrounds.
• Regular travel and work outside standard workday hours.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Political Science, Government, International Relations, or related degree.
• Experience in state governmental affairs with an in-depth knowledge of legislative, agency, and political processes.
• Experience working with elected/appointed officials that required substantial legislative interaction and informing the policymaking process.
• Extensive knowledge of Texas legislative process with experience planning and implementing legislative strategies.
• Familiarity with the Texas Legislature, State Government, Higher Education, and/or the Texas A&M University System.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• A defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• If applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor.
• Additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.