The Vice President for Government & Community Relations is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and effective management of the Universityâ™s state, local, and federal government relations. The vice president reports to the president of the University and serves as a member of the presidentâ™s cabinet and key partner to University leaders.

Key Responsibilities 

• Plan, direct, and manage a coordinated strategy for the University of Minnesota system to cultivate and manage relationships with elected leaders, stakeholders and constituencies at the federal, state, and local levels with a goal to articulate the Universityâ™s priorities, and increase support of the Universityâ™s mission
• Represent the University's interests at the State Capitol, with Congress and the federal Executive Branch, State Government agencies including the Governor, before local units of government, and community organizations and campus neighbors 
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy issues at the state and federal levels 
• Serve as the Universityâ™s lead advocate at the state and federal levels in support of the land-grant mission, academic excellence, unique value, and economic impact 
• Engage University leaders, faculty, students, staff, and alumni as appropriate, in advocacy efforts 
• Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with national higher education policy and advocacy groups and associations (eg. AAU, APLU, etc.) 
• Provide management and leadership of the Universityâ™s Government & Community Relations team
• Development and oversight of annual budget for Government & Community Relations 
• Oversee all University of Minnesota legislatively mandated/required reports 

The Vice President is a 100%-time, 12-month, professional and administrative (P&A) appointment based in Minneapolis. Salary is commensurate with education and experience, with an anticipated salary range of $350,000-$420,000.  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelorâ™s degree and at least 15 years of professional experience
• Solid understanding of the state, federal legislative, and executive processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of professionals with a broad range of portfolios
• Track record of success in legislative advocacy and persuasion 
• Ability to set a strategic vision and create public affairs plans and strategies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and effective partnerships
• Excellent oral, writing, and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to mobilize diverse constituent groups and balance competing demands, priorities, and needs of multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple, diverse constituencies
• Experience with crisis and issues management
• Demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, integrity and flexibility

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced degree
• Experience working in a complex, decentralized environment
• Experience developing and leading successful legislative strategies in Minnesota and Washington DC
• Understanding of the breadth and complexity of a major research university

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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