Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 185,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations. This role develops and leads a comprehensive state, local, and federal government relations strategy aligned with the Illinois Leads plan.

You will coordinate advocacy efforts, advance legislative priorities, and build bipartisan relationships with legislators, agencies, and key stakeholders to support the university’s mission and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in public or government affairs with elected officials.
• Experience with Illinois government operations.
• Experience in community, corporate, or civic relations.
• Experience working with advocacy groups and developing and advancing policy positions before government bodies and officials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an integrated state, local, and federal relations strategy aligned with the Illinois Leads strategic plan.
• Develop the university’s annual legislative and advocacy priorities and engage stakeholders.
• Represent the university with lawmakers, government agencies, and public-sector leaders.
• Coordinate government relations across the Urbana-Champaign enterprise and with System Office of Government Relations.
• Monitor and manage issues, crisis response, policy development, and university service initiatives.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public and/ or Government Affairs

Job description

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations. This is an exciting opportunity to advance the university’s mission and strategic priorities by developing and leading a comprehensive state, local, and federal government relations strategy aligned with the Illinois Leads strategic plan.

Working closely with university leadership and the University of Illinois System, the Assistant Vice Chancellor will coordinate government relations and advocacy efforts, advance legislative priorities, and build strong, long-term relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

Government Relations Strategy and Legislative Advocacy

• Develop and lead an integrated state, local, and federal relations strategy that supports and aligns with the Illinois Leads strategic plan, serving as a strategic adviser to the Chancellor and senior leadership on government relations and public policy matters.


• In consultation with the Chancellor, Chief of Staff, senior leadership, and the U of I System, develop the university’s annual legislative and advocacy priorities for legislative, regulatory, budget, and stakeholder engagement, and identify opportunities to advance university priorities through legislation, appropriations, grants, partnerships, and public policy initiatives.

External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a senior representative of the university with members of the state legislature and Constitutional officers, as well as members of Congress and local elected officials, government agencies and staff members of these organizations.


• Represent the university on external state and community boards and groups to make available university wisdom on policy decisions.


• Build and maintain bipartisan, productive, long-term relationships with policy makers and public-sector leaders.

Leadership and Coordination of Government Relations

• Coordinate the government and community relations, as well as advocacy efforts across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign enterprise, as well as with the University of Illinois System Office of Government Relations and other administrative units within the System to implement the government relations agenda.


• Supervise staff in the Office of Government Relations and coordinate legislative and relationship building activities with other government relations staff across the institution.


• Interface with advisory committees, serve on university committees, communicate and consult with other offices and university officials when appropriate. Work with the University of Illinois Alumni Alliance Advocacy arm to coordinate legislative advocacy efforts.

Legislative Monitoring, Issues Management, Crisis Response, Policy Development, and University Service

• Direct continual monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation, trends, and significant issues that could adversely impact the university’s objectives and develop strategies to manage those issues in conjunction with university leaders.


• Through the university’s Crisis Management Team structure and processes help anticipate, assess, and manage emerging issues that could impact the university’s academic mission, research enterprise, operations, reputation, and relationships with government officials.


• Evaluate, formulate, and implement policies; advise and work with department or unit heads to establish and implement policies and procedures relating to the unit and university.


• Develop and support strategic planning, vision, goals, and objectives for the unit. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in public or government affairs working closely with elected officials and senior level government leaders.


• Demonstrated external relations experience and knowledge of city, county, and State of Illinois government operations.


• Previous community, corporate, or civic relations experience.


• Demonstrated external relations experience working effectively with advocacy groups and developing and advancing policy positions before government bodies and officials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public and/ or Government Affairs.


• Experience in the management of public affairs or government relations.


• Leadership and strategic planning experience in a leadership role in a state or local agency or advocacy organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in problem solving, strategic resource development, crisis management, operations management, strategic planning, project and event management abilities.


• Strong communication, interpersonal and administrative skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. Theexpected start date is as soon as possible following the conclusion of thesearch.

Thebudgeted salary range for this position is $185,000–$235,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The University strives to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

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