Chief Government Relations Officer

The University of New Mexico seeks a Chief of Government Relations Officer to lead and oversee the Office of Government Relations. This position serves as the senior advisor to the President pertaining to all government activities at UNM, including the Health Sciences Center (HSC), in collaboration with its Chancellor. This person is responsible for cultivating and enhancing the University's relationships at the federal, state and local government levels and works with University and HSC Senior Leadership to develop proposals and strategies advocating and lobbying for University priorities with local, state, and federal government levels.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong alignment with the University of New Mexico's mission, values, and strategic vision, as well as demonstrated success, sound judgment and flexibility working in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Specific responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Provides strategic oversight to the Office of Government Relations and is responsible for government affairs strategies that advances the University's mission and goals with local, regional, state and federal elected officials.

· Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.

· Provides frequent updates to the President, the HSC Chancellor, and other members of the UNM Senior Leadership team, and the Board of Regents.

· Establishes and maintains constructive relationships with elected and appointed officials on a federal, state, and local level and invests considerable time and energy in prioritized networking activity.

· Apprises Senior Leadership of pertinent legislative issues, external factors, and policy proposals and actions that could impact the University.

· Understands, communicates and advocates University priorities to governmental officials, local and national organizations and other government entities on key legislative issues related to higher education, health policy and research.

· Serves as a key representative for the University at legislative sessions, before State bodies, and Federal agencies in support of institutional goals and objectives.

· Shapes and influences legislative programs and other critical business issues in alignment with University goals and objectives.

· Works in collaboration with HSC Chancellor, HSC Senior Leadership, including clinical entity CEOs, to develop an effective health focused state and federal legislative agenda and attendant strategy.

· Works with lobbyists and legislators in establishing and implementing a lobbying strategy, both proactive and responsive.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree; at least 10 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.


Preferred Qualifications:

The successful candidate's demonstrated experience should reflect the following:

· Thorough understanding of current developments in state and national higher education policy; comprehensive knowledge of state government structures and decision-making processes.

· Thorough understanding of state and federal health policy.

· Proficient understanding of local, state and federal legislative and executive process, including budget and appropriations processes; proficient understanding of all timelines and procedural rules related to legislative and rule-making processes.

· Firm understanding of and commitment to compliance with state and federal lobbying laws, ethics rules and applicable regulations.

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community

· Directly related experience at a senior leadership level within higher education

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