Associate Director, State Government Relations #02258z
Associate Director, State Government Relations
The George Mason University Office of State and Government Relations is looking for an enthusiastic and energetic individual to serve as an Associate Director of State Government Relations.
George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.
About the Position:
The Associate Director of State Government Relations, will be based out of Richmond, and will work directly with the Executive Director of State Government Relations, monitors legislative, budgetary, and regulatory issues in Richmond and communicates information to appropriate officials. The office is committed to informing the university community as it relates to key legislative issues that may be of interest and impact the university, as well as advocating on behalf of Mason on matters of importance to higher education.
George Mason University changes lives and we are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to be a part of that mission. Annual leave available at the start date, employee tuition exemption, and a hybrid work environment are just a few of the benefits Mason has to offer its employees.
In addition to a first-class culture at Virginia's largest Public University, this position offers:
• Potential for flexible hybrid telework scheduling
• Competitive salary
• Outstanding benefits including:
• Health & life insurance, multiple industry leading retirement plans available including state Hybrid Plan or Optional Retirement Plan; accrued paid days off per year; paid holidays; paid winter break; paid sick leave; paid volunteer leave; tuition reimbursement at GMU; and employee assistance programs.
Responsibilities:
The position will report to the Executive Director for State Government Relations and be responsible for:
• Responsible for building and maintaining relationships between the University and the state's executive offices and agencies, legislative support offices and members of the legislature and their aides, as well as non-governmental organizations with special interests in higher education, economic development, life sciences and/or the Northern Virginia region;
• Oversees tracking of bills during the General Assembly that may impact the university;
• Coordinate, maintain and enhance the bill tracking system;
• Train, de-brief and maintain regular communication with Mason Issue Advisors;
• Manages strategy and execution of legislative outreach efforts throughout the year;
• Responsible for fiscal and office management of the Office of State Government Relations;
• Facilitates executive scheduling needs for the Executive Director and other Mason officials when they are meeting with high-level government officials;
• Plans and executes events with and for a variety of university constituencies, including the President, executive leadership, high-level government officials, BOV members, alumni and students;
• Key participant in legislative/budget priority setting, budget amendment development and execution of initiatives during General Assembly sessions;
• Monitor assigned government decision making bodies and report as appropriate; and
• Serves as an ombudsman on constituent issues received from members of the General Assembly and the Executive Branch.
Required Qualifications:
• Knowledge of Virginia state government and the Virginia General Assembly;
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills; experience with Microsoft Office suite of programs;
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard office procedures, administration of correspondence and meetings, as well as knowledge of Mason procedures;
• Working knowledge of legislative tracking system(s);
• The ability to operate personal computers, duplicating machines, fax machines, and standard office telephones is required;
• Experience organizing government-focused events;
• Effective interpersonal communication and customer service skills, including tact, diplomacy and confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple tasks;
• Ability to translate policies into language and tone which is easily understood by our customers in a friendly and professional manner; and
• Collaborates and works well with diverse individuals with differing needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
The following education and/or skill sets are preferred:
• B.S. in public administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or professional experience;
• Demonstrated communication, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills; and
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Richmond governmental agencies is strongly desired.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.