Job Description Summary

The Director of State Relations advances the University's broad state, county and local government relations agenda. Working closely with the Executive Director of Government Relations, the Director of State Government Relations develops and implements the University's governmental and political engagement strategy with state and local elected officials and key policymakers and university stakeholders that benefits and promotes the University. The Director of State Relations will advise senior university leaders, faculty members and key members of the university community on government affairs impacting the university and higher education more broadly. The Director of State Government Relations will foster constructive relationships with state officials and engage them in higher education issues specific to the University and public higher education in general. This position builds rapport with other policymakers, business and community figures, and stakeholders to advocate for the education, research, and service mission of UMD. This position will establish and nurture productive relationships with elected and appointed state officials to further promote the flagship mission of UMD. This position will be based in College Park and Annapolis, Maryland with travel to local and other state locations and national conferences as needed.

In support of the University's priorities, the Director of State Relations:

- Collaborates with University leadership to help develop the University’s agenda on matters of state
legislation, operating and capital budget matters, regulations, and policy, and advocates and clearly
communicates those priorities to government officials.
- Operates as the primary contact between elected officials and the University to advocate for
policies that advance the educational, research, and service mission of the state’s Flagship and
Land Grant University.
- Monitors state and county legislative hearings and actions; guides advocacy efforts and testimony;
informs University of impact of legislative actions; and prepares communications and briefings to
and for key stakeholders regarding pertinent legislative issues.
- Apprises senior leadership and faculty members of pertinent legislative issues, external factors, and
policy proposals and actions that could impact the university.
- Serves as a key representative for the university at legislative sessions/workgroups, committee
hearings and other relevant events in Annapolis.
- Responds on behalf of the University to state legislative and state regulatory proposals that affect
the University, ensuring that the University acts with a single unified voice, including supporting
formal testimony at hearings or other appropriate actions.
- Facilitates and arranges interactions between key members of the University community and state
governmental officials.
- Establishes and builds excellent relationships with state and local agencies, community
representatives and policymakers to provide timely responses, ensuring that the University’s
interests are well represented.
- Manages and submits responses to state, county and local officials in inquiries regarding general
information about the University, policies, and programs.
- Plans and manages events in Annapolis and on campus that involve state, county and local
government officials, such as roundtables, tours of campus, and advocacy days in Annapolis.
- Works with the University System of Maryland and its other institutions to collaborate on larger
higher education issues.


Preferences:
- Demonstrated success working with and building relationships with public officials and their teams.
- Proven track record of effective engagement and operations in government affairs, public policy,
and external relations.
- Knowledge of all aspects of the state budgetary, legislative and political process.
- Skill in interpreting and responding to proposed legislation, including writing effective position
statements.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products.
- Evidence of ability to accurately interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws, and
strategically maneuver within those contexts to advance institutional priorities.
- Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to an
inclusive and diverse community.
- Track record as an inspiring team-player and coach, able to lead and motivate teams to high levels
of performance.
- Experience working with the Maryland General Assembly and/or the Prince George’s County elected
leaders and their teams.
- Demonstrated success working within or with Maryland Legislative and Prince George’s County
proce