Government Relations Director

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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. Located within the Division of Legal Affairs, this role is responsible for the active monitoring of local, state, and federal policy trends and for cultivating essential relationships with political and community leaders. The Director advocates for the university's interests, represents the institution to external audiences, and leads efforts to secure public funding, including grants and legislative appropriations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following essential functions represent the primary focus of this full-time role:

Strategic Policy Analysis & Executive Advising

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive GSA (Government and Strategic Affairs) 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.

Government Funding & Grant Procurement

• 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.

Legislative Advocacy & Association Leadership

• 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.

Community Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Institutional Impact Measurement & Reporting

• 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.

Administrative & Division Leadership

• 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

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Required: 1–3 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or higher (with an expectation of completion within two years of hire).

Core Skills

• Analytical: Advanced ability to reformulate complex problems and recognize the implications of legislative decisions.
• Communication: Highly proficient written and oral communication skills; ability to negotiate and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.
• Lobbying & Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to resolve conflict and collaborate on major projects with political leaders. 
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage project schedules, accountabilities, and deadlines independently.
• Technical: Intermediate proficiency in spreadsheet analysis models and database/website maintenance.

Independence and Decision Making

• Independence: The incumbent sets own goals and determines how to accomplish results with few guidelines; the supervisor provides broad direction.

Decision Making: Decisions have significant implications for the management and operations of the division and contribute to the overall strategy of the entire organization.

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Benefits - applies only to full-time positions: 

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family.  Eligibility varies by position and employment class: 

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.

• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.

• 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.