Director, Government Affairs

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 93,510 - 114,291; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plans for employees

12 paid holidays per year

Retirement plan with employer match

Professional development opportunities

Tuition and fee assistance for depend

Job summary

CSN – College of Southern Nevada seeks a Director of Government Affairs to serve as the primary liaison to government officials, NSHE, and the Board of Regents, advancing CSN’s mission through strategic government relations.

The Director will lead meetings, coordinate advocacy opportunities, and supervise a campus-wide culture of policy engagement while ensuring compliance with lobbying regulations. Evening/weekend travel to Carson City during sessions is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• 4–5 years of comparable government relations or lobbying experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legislative-tracking tools such as NELIS.
• Strong written and verbal communication and policy-analysis abilities.
• Ability to travel to Carson City during legislative sessions and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop, track and report on comprehensive bills throughout the legislative session.
• Prepare briefing materials, testimony and advocacy collateral for legislators.
• Coordinate meetings and events with elected officials and stakeholders.
• Collaborate to refine system-wide legislative priorities and engage CSN communities.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying laws and coordinate with NSHE and the Legislature.

Skills

Communication

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

NELIS

Job description

Director of Government Affairs

Reports to the Executive Director of External Relations and supports the Vice President of External Relations and Campus Operations Division.

Position is open until filled, with application deadline 11:59 p.m. on 6August2026.

Job Summary

The Director is the primary liaison to government officials, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), the Board of Regents, and strategic external partners. The role establishes and maintains relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and senior college leadership; directs meetings, legislative engagement opportunities, and the comprehensive government relations strategy that advances the college’s mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and report on comprehensive bill tracking throughout the legislative session.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, testimony, and other advocacy collateral for legislators and staff.
• Coordinate meetings, advocacy events, and legislative engagement opportunities with elected officials and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Government Affairs team to refine system‑wide legislative priorities.
• Engage students, faculty, staff, administrators and shared governance groups in CSN’s legislative and public policy efforts.
• Build a campus‑wide culture of advocacy by educating internal stakeholders on legislative priorities and gathering policy feedback.
• Maintain compliance with lobbying laws and regulations.
• Represent CSN at the Nevada Legislature and coordinate with the NSHE on effective government relations.
• Provide strategic recommendations and summaries to senior administration on legislative developments.
• Coordinate dignitary relationships, visits, and initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4‑5 years of comparable professional experience in government relations or lobbying.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legislative tracking tools such as NELIS.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance with lobbying laws and regulations.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop clear, concise recommendations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and travel to Carson City during legislative sessions.
• Excellent oral and written communication, decision‑making, and network‑building skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or higher in political science, public administration, communications, or related field.
• Prior experience working with the Nevada Legislature and familiarity with state agencies, government operations and the lobbying community.
• Registered lobbyist experience during a Nevada Legislative Session.
• Established network within Nevada’s political, governmental, higher education and advocacy communities.

Other Requirements

• Comfortable residing in Carson City during the Nevada Legislative Session (February–June of each biennium).
• Willingness to travel throughout the state, including full‑time presence in Carson City during the legislative session and for special sessions.
• Professional and personal initiative, self‑starting mindset, and anticipation of college needs.

Salary and Benefits

Administrative Faculty D – Starting salary is $103,901. Position is full‑time (100% FTE) and exempt.

• Tuition and fee assistance for employees and their families.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Health insurance plans for employees and dependents.
• Retirement plan with 19.25% employee contribution and 100% employer match.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• On‑site Early Childhood Education Center services.
• Access to CSN affinity groups focused on diversity initiatives.

EEO Statement

CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, religion, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Application Process

Submit all required attachments (Resume/CV, Cover Letter, three professional references, unofficial academic transcripts). Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Contact

Human Resources – Talent Acquisition Team, [e-mail]; (702)651‑5800.