Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy

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At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.  

By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey.  Learn more about CU System Administration.

The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy is a member of the Office of Government Relations State Relations team and is a lobbyist for the University at the state capitol. As directed by the Senior Associate Vice President for State Relations (SAVP) the position lobbies on state policy issues of impact and is the lead on higher education policy issues for the CU System and campuses. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy works with the SVP and SAVP of State Relations to develop and execute the annual legislative agenda for the university. This position develops and maintains strategic relationships with executive and legislative branch policymakers, lobbyists and other advocates. It also develops and maintains strong relationships with leadership and other members of the university community.

The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy is tasked with being the main state relations point of contact for two of the CU campuses. In this capacity, the Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy develops, coordinates, and maintains necessary relationships on the on campuses as well as develops strategy to assist in attaining the University’s legislative goals. Areas of policy expertise include a key focus on academic affairs; admissions, enrollment policy; research funding; Title IX; teacher preparation; cyber security; and others as assigned. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy assists with leading the bi-weekly legislative strategy meetings and leadership conference calls during the legislative session and participates in year-round meetings with campus stakeholders and leadership on campus engagement efforts. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy will also work in tandem and coordination with the additional Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy on staff who will represent CU’s other two campuses and lobby at the capitol.

This position reports to the SAVP of State Relations and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified System.

Applicants must be Colorado residents or willing to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in office.