Director Government Affairs

Position Summary

The Director of Government Affairs advances Dallas College’s legislative, regulatory, and public policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. This position serves as a key leader in the development and execution of government affairs initiatives that support the institution’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Dallas College’s government affairs strategy and legislative priorities.
• Develop recommendations regarding policy positions, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Cook up internal efforts related to legislative and regulatory matters affecting the institution.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent Dallas College in meetings, legislative and regulatory matters affecting the institution.
• Cook up advocacy efforts with external consultants, lobbyists, and partner organizations.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory and political developments at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Assess potential impacts on institutional operations, funding, workforce initiatives, and student success priorities.
• Develop recommendations and response strategies regarding policy opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.
• Prepare executive-level reports and presentations summarizing legislative and regulatory activity.
• Partner with college leadership, communications, workforce development, community relations, and other internal stakeholders to advance institutional priorities.
• Ensure consistent messaging and coordinated engagement with governmental partners.
• Support development and execution of legislative agendas and advocacy campaigns.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Government, Communications, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, or related field.
• Minimum of 19 hours of leadership development.
• Experience working with underserved and marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from the full range of diverse populations.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse communities.
• Experience developing and implementing programs, services, and/or courses that are designed to meet the needs of the increasingly diverse college community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and managing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Experience analyzing legislation and developing policy recommendations.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong understanding of public policy development and governmental decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex legislative and policy information into actionable recommendations.

About Us

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.