Director of Governmental Relations and Strategic Engagement

Director of Governmental Relations and Strategic Engagement

Classification: Administrator II
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $9,261 to $10,416* mo.
CSU Salary Schedule
*CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.

Priority Screening Date: December 7, 2025
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled

ABOUT CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California's Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation's largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students' lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB's sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.

As one of the 23 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision of the Vice President of University Advancement with collaboration from Cal State Monterey Bay Vice Presidents, the Director of Government and External Relations is responsible for representing the university to a wide range of external constituencies on issues that affect the support of the mission of the campus. The position requires sound judgment, confidentiality, knowledge of political processes and broad experience with university operations and community networks. Consequences of error may critically affect the university's image, budget, and external support.

Position responsibilities include direct contact with external individuals and groups to inform them of campus needs and issues and to advocate on behalf of the campus. Contact will be with regulatory agencies, governmental bodies, and elected and appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels as well as with community groups, media, alumni, faculty, and campus and systemwide administration. Works with the Vice President for Advancement and members of the President's Cabinet to design and implement a comprehensive government relations and external affairs strategy that ensures CSUMB's public policy positions and community partnerships are effectively articulated to elected and appointed officials at all levels. Provides continuous updates and information to CSUMB's senior leadership team and Cabinet. In collaboration with University Advancement, represents CSUMB on external relations issues and with media.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Government Relations / Advocacy

• Leads and advances CSUMB's government relations strategy at the local, state, and federal levels, including advocacy on policy, budget, capital outlay, legal affairs, bond campaigns, and land use.
• Collaborates with the President, senior leadership, and the Chief Research Officer/Sponsored Programs Office to identify and pursue legislative and agency opportunities that support university priorities, research initiatives, and institutional funding goals.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with elected and appointed officials, legislative staff, and relevant agencies across all levels of government, with a focus on the Central Coast delegation.
• Monitors, analyzes, and interprets legislation, regulations, and policy developments, advising senior leadership on potential impacts, risks, and opportunities for collaboration, innovation, or funding.
• Coordinates closely with the CSU Chancellor's Office Government Affairs team to align campus priorities with systemwide legislative strategies at both the state and federal levels.
• Prepares and manages CSUMB's annual submissions for the CSU legislative and appropriations agenda, and organizes campus visits, briefings, and engagement with policymakers, including the development of issue briefs, talking points, and follow-up materials.

2. Community / External Relations / Outreach

• Develops and executes a community relations and external affairs plan that complements the government relations program, engaging business, regional agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and regional coalitions. Represents the campus in external community programs and activities, building goodwill and greater community understanding of the university's educational, research, and service mission.
• Coordinates external messaging efforts with CSUMB Marketing, the Public Information Officer, and the Director of Alumni Relations, where appropriate. Assists as appropriate in efforts to increase student enrollment, recruitment, and retention.
• Organizes and coordinates external stakeholder events, campus tours, legislative visits, and community outreach initiatives including logistics, protocol, materials, and follow-up.
• Serves as a liaison to external organizations and regional partnerships to advance institutional visibility and support.
• Partners with the Sponsored Programs Office, faculty, and regional stakeholders to support external engagement efforts that elevate research, grant-funded initiatives, and community-based collaborations aligned with CSUMB's mission.

3. Compliance, Crisis & Oversight

• Manages public records requests and assures compliance with applicable laws, coordinating with appropriate offices, legal counsel, and the Chancellor's Office.
• Coordinates with the Public Information Officer and President's Communications Office to develop, maintain, and execute crisis communication protocols ensuring rapid and coordinated institutional response during campus incidents or emergencies. Serves as an authorized spokesperson for the university during crisis situations or high-profile issues, in consultation with University Communications and senior leadership. Assists in preparing talking points, media statements, and key messages for leadership, and advises on communications strategy related to emerging or sensitive issues.
• Develops metrics, evaluation frameworks, and regular reports on the effectiveness and impact of governmental and external relations activities.

4. Strategic & Institutional Alignment

• Assists in the planning and implementation of the university's strategic plan, ensuring alignment of external relations and governmental affairs with institutional priorities.
• Leads or participates in cross-functional task forces and initiatives that link academic, operational, and external engagement goals.

Other Functions:

1. Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Governmental relations and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Sponsored research and grant-funded program development in a higher education or public agency context.
• Best practices in media and public affairs, crisis communications, and institutional representation.
• Governmental protocols, political processes, and discretion in sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Comprehensive aspects of advancement and external relations in a higher education environment.
• Legislative and regulatory frameworks related to public funding, appropriations, and compliance.
• Intergovernmental relations, including agency coordination and public policy development.

Ability to:

• Apply political acumen and professional judgment in working with elected and appointed officials, legislative and municipal staff, external/community groups, and the media.
• Synthesize complex legislative or regulatory information and translate it into actionable strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Communicate persuasively and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing, using strong interpersonal skills.
• Plan, manage, and execute public affairs events and communications strategies.
• Cultivate cross-functional collaboration among faculty, Sponsored Programs Office, and leadership teams to advance advocacy, research, and funding efforts.
• Analyze and develop imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of issues.
• Adapt effectively to organizational and policy changes within a dynamic academic environment.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and perform effectively under deadline pressure.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and time management skills, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Represent the university with professionalism and integrity in a variety of internal and external settings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in public policy, public affairs, political science, communications, or related field.

A minimum of five (5) years overall professional experience, with at least three (3) years of direct experience in communications, governmental relations, public affairs, and/or legislative experience at the local, state, or federal level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• A master's degree (e.g., MPA, MPP, MA) and/or a minimum of seven (7) years of directly related professional experience in governmental relations, legislative advocacy, or government communications is highly desirable.
• Established local, regional, and national contacts related to governmental and external relations.
• Experience in higher education advocacy efforts and programs, communications, media or public relations, event planning, and promotion.
• Familiarity with a university or large public-sector environment and experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced academic setting in an innovative and rapidly evolving university.
• Bilingual ability, international or multicultural experience.
• Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, the CSU Common Management System, or equivalent platforms; Microsoft Office Suite; and Google Workspace tools.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND POSITION DESIGNATIONS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
• The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097​ as a condition of employment.
• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards.
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with:

• responsibility for the care, safety and security of people (including children and minors), animals and CSU property;
• authority to commit financial resources of the university through contracts greater than $10,000;
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards; and
• control over campus business processes, either through functional roles or system security access.

• This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.
• This position is required to comply with confidentiality requirements outlined in the Department of Education's Family Educational Rights and Privacy and California's Educational Code Chapter 13 regarding sensitive student issues.
• Must possess and maintain a valid license to drive in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.

BENEFITS/PERKS:

This is a management-level position with an attractive benefits package, which includes: a vacation accrual rate of 16 hours per month; an excellent choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability coverage; life insurance; educational incentives; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 14 paid holidays a year. For further information, please visit Employee Benefits Summary. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: https://csumb.edu/corporation/employee-housing

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date found at Careers at CSUMB. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.

CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/.

CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.



To apply, visit https://careers.csumb.edu/en-us/job/553090







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