Director of State Government Relations

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Atlanta, GA seeks a Director of State Government Relations to develop and execute the university's strategy with state lawmakers and executives. You will lead efforts to advocate for the university's needs, monitor legislation, and coordinate with deans, faculty, staff and students to inform policy priorities.

You will build and maintain relationships with key state officials and staff, provide staff support to stakeholders at university events, and travel overnight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of state legislative and budget processes.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent the university during sessions of the legislature.
• Maintain relationships with key state officials and staff.
• Participate in establishing the university's state relations priorities.
• Provide information as requested to state officials about the needs and priorities of the university.
• Develop opportunities for staff, faculty and students to support the university's state relations program.

Skills

Legislative process

Budget process

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Details

Working Title: Director of State Government Relations

Department: VPGR-VP Government Relations

Posting Number: S15902P

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Occasional nights and weekends.

Advertised Salary: $120,226 - $140,000

Posting Date: 10/16/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: In-state, overnight travel is required. This position will be based in Atlanta, GA. Use of telephone and computer.

Location of Vacancy: Atlanta Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Position Summary

The Director of State Government Relations is responsible for developing and executing the University's strategy and relationships with officials and others involved in the state legislative and executive branches. The Director reports to the Vice President for Government Relations and is a part of the Office of Government Relations, which is responsible for maintaining effective relations with federal, state and local governments. The Director works closely with the University's senior leadership to advocate for the University's needs. The Director monitors, evaluates and assesses the impact of pending legislation, agency regulations and other issues pertinent to the University.

The Director manages constituent communications and services related to issues with state government, including encouraging and facilitating stakeholder participation on campus and at University events throughout the state. The Director provides staff support to stakeholders participating in UGA events. The Director provides staff support to senior leadership while engaging with government stakeholders.

The Director works closely with UGA colleagues in federal and local relations to ensure coordination of effort and will communicate regularly with deans, vice presidents, faculty, staff and student leaders to maintain a thorough understanding of issues within the university community. The Director will assist in identifying opportunities for UGA faculty and others to make their subject‑matter expertise visible and helpful to government stakeholders as appropriate.

This position will be based in Atlanta, GA, with required in state overnight travel.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of state legislative and budget processes.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Physical Demands

Travel throughout the state, including overnight, to support program needs. The position also requires frequent use of telephone and computer equipment to perform core duties.

Additional Information

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card Policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Represent the university during sessions of the legislature.
• 30
• Maintain relationships with key state officials and staff.
• 25
• Participate in establishing the university's state relations priorities.
• 20
• Provide information as requested to state officials about the needs and priorities of the university.
• 20
• Develop opportunities for staff, faculty and students to support the university's state relations program.
• 5