Director of Government Relations

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Five (5) years of full-time experience working for or with state and/or local government relations. An in-depth understanding of the State legislative and State budget process. Grant experience. Presentation experience. Experience working in one or more of the following areas: Advocacy, program or economic development.

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Additional years (6+) of full-time experience working for or with state and/or local government relations. Experience working in higher education or healthcare. Community outreach experience.

Brief Description of Duties:
The Director of Government Relations reports to the Assistant Vice President for Government Relations. The incumbent will support the Chief Deputy to the President & Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations and the Assistant Vice President for Government Relations in developing, managing, and implementing the state and local Government Relations Programs for Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.
This is a forward-facing position across the University and externally with government and elected officials, advocacy organizations, and events where the Director will represent the University. The Director should be comfortable interacting with senior leaders across the University and externally and must exercise exceptional judgment and professionalism.

• Determine, formulate, and administer management policies and practices for state and local Government Relations programs and activities ensuring alignment with the University's goals and compliance with relevant regulations. The Director works closely with senior leadership to design and implement effective strategies that support the University's government relations efforts. Additionally, the Director actively participates in the development of University-wide strategic initiatives, contributing expertise in higher education, healthcare, and economic development to shape long-term planning and policy decisions that advance the institution's mission and objectives.
• Oversees the process of monitoring legislative, regulatory, and political issues in Albany, NYC, and across Long Island ensuring the SVP and AVP are informed on issues and their potential impact and develops and implements strategies in response to these developments.
• Represents the University's positions to government and elected officials, both independently and as part of coalitions, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. The Director provides strategic leadership in building expertise in key issue areas, including higher education, healthcare, economic development, and other critical topics, to effectively advocate and influence policy outcomes.
• Oversees the preparation and strategic development of reports, memos, and presentations on a variety of critical issues, including updates on key topics, briefing documents for elected officials, and talking points for senior leadership. The Director ensures these materials effectively support decision-making and advance the University's objectives.
• Leads the coordination and management of State grants currently awarded to the University, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with requirements. The Director also spearheads efforts to identify and pursue new funding opportunities across various industries, driving strategic initiatives that enhance the University's growth and impact.
• Provides strategic leadership by representing the University within key advocacy organizations, fostering relationships that advance institutional priorities. The Director ensures that the Office and University leadership are kept fully informed of these organizations' positions and initiatives, facilitating alignment and proactive decision-making.
• Oversight of all logistics for visits by elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring seamless execution of meetings, tours, and events on campus. The Director ensures these interactions are strategically planned to advance the University's objectives and strengthen relationships with key policymakers.
• Represent the Office on internal cross-departmental committees.
• Support the Office of Federal Relations and the Office of Community Relations on projects and events including Homecoming and Communiversity Day.
• Leads the development of annual engagement plans with external stakeholders to enhance the University's reputation and service lines. The Director is also responsible for overseeing the creation and distribution of the monthly "Capitals and Communities" Newsletter, providing key updates on State and Local government relations and ensuring alignment with strategic institutional goals.
• Support the AVP in bi-monthly lobbying filings and will be responsible for ensuring all designated lobbyists file their bimonthly reports.
• Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Special Notes:
This is a Management Confidential position. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Essential Position: This has been designated as an essential position based on the duties of the job and the functions performed. Positions that are designated as such may be required to report to work/remain at work even if classes are canceled, and the campus is working on limited operations in an emergency.

Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

This position may be eligible for alternative workplace arrangements/telework (remote or virtual).

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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