Government Relations Director
The Government & Community Affairs Director serves as the primary strategic advisor to the university's academic and executive leadership on all matters related to government affairs and public policy. This role is located within the Division of Legal Affairs and is responsible for the active monitoring of local, state, and federal policy trends, as well as cultivating essential relationships with political and community leaders.
Duties And Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive GSA strategic plan to align university advocacy with long-term institutional goals and federal compliance mandates.
Manage the university’s strategic posture regarding federal entities (e.g., GSA, SAM.gov), ensuring institutional compliance with modernized federal representation and certification requirements.
Act as the primary advisor to executive leadership on legislative trends that affect institutional funding and operational autonomy.
Draft white papers, policy briefs, and executive testimony regarding higher education legislation and regional economic development.
Monitor legislative calendars and regulatory changes at the local, state, and federal levels that impact higher education.
Identify and lead the identification and pursuit of government funding opportunities, including federal and state grants and legislative appropriations.
Collaborate with university leadership to align institutional priorities (e.g., infrastructure, research, student aid) with available public funding streams.
Coordinate with the Development office to support institutional advancement through political and community-based fundraising initiatives.
Lead the development of advocacy materials and proposals targeting government agencies and legislative committees.
Act as the University’s primary Registered Lobbyist, maintaining active engagement in the Ohio Statehouse and with federal agencies.
Serve as the principal liaison to key advocacy organizations, including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Government Relations Network and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO).
Represent the university officially on political and public-policy issues to external stakeholders and news sources.
Coordinate and promote the university’s legislative agenda through direct communication with internal and external partners.
Direct the university’s community-engaged roles and cultivate relationships with civic leaders in the city, region, and state.
Identify, plan, and lead community engagement projects that align with the university’s strategic goals.
Support institutional advancement by leveraging political and community connections for fundraising and partnership opportunities.
Design and execute a data-driven framework to quantify the university’s socio-economic and educational impact within the Greater Cincinnati region and the State of Ohio.
Author the Annual Xavier Impact Report, a high-profile publication detailing the university's economic contributions, volunteerism, research impact, and regional partnership outcomes.
Manage the administrative operations of the GCR office, including website maintenance and program coordination.
Supervise student workers or interns in the administration of political engagement activities.
Requirements & Skills
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, required. 1–3 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field, required. Master’s degree or higher (with an expectation of completion within two years of hire), preferred.
Core Skills: Analytical, Communication, Lobbying & Negotiation, Project Management, Technical (Intermediate proficiency in spreadsheet analysis models and database/website maintenance).
Benefits
Applies only to full-time positions. Includes comprehensive insurance plans, tax advantaged accounts, financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans. Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays. Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.