Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations

The University of Texas at Arlington; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington seeks a senior leader for the Office of Government Relations to guide strategic initiatives and align internal and external stakeholders.

This role serves as the principal advisor to the Vice President for Government Relations, translating strategic vision into execution while overseeing operations, budgeting, and cross-campus coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic initiatives and government relations.
• Experience coordinating legislative or external affairs activities.
• Experience managing projects and supporting executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Support the Vice President in planning, resourcing, and monitoring strategic initiatives aligned with legislative priorities.
• Develop and implement engagement strategy with elected officials, government leaders, and stakeholders.
• Lead development and execution of strategic communications and executive briefing materials.
• Oversee daily operations and budgeting for the Government Relations office.

Skills

Strategic planning

Executive coordination

Project management

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, communications, business administration, higher education administration, or related field

Job description

Purpose of Position

The role will serve as a leader within the Office of Government Relations, providing strategic oversight, operational leadership, and execution support to advance the university’s legislative and governmental priorities. This position functions as the principal advisor and operational lead to the Vice President for Government Relations, translating strategic vision into execution and ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders

Essential Functions

• Support the Vice President in planning, resourcing, implementing, and monitoring strategic initiatives aligned with legislative priorities, while translating leadership vision into actionable plans that advance the university’s goals and priorities.
• Develop and implement Government Relations engagement strategy by coordinating relationships with elected officials, government leaders, and key stakeholders, including strategic campus visits, briefings, and signature events that advance institutional priorities.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications, messaging, and executive briefing materials that support the university’s external engagement, legislative priorities, and institutional objectives, ensuring alignment across leadership, government relations, and key stakeholder audiences.
• Oversee daily operations, workflow, and performance of the Government Relations office.
• Direct operational and financial functions including budgeting.
• Coordinate across campus to align priorities, messaging, and funding opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, communications, business administration, higher education administration, or in a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing strategic initiatives, coordinating legislative or external affairs activities within government relations, public policy, higher education environment or related experience.
• Must have experience managing projects and supporting executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with elected officials or agencies.
• Strong writing and executive briefing skills.
• Communications background.
• Demonstrated experience as a chief of staff, deputy, or senior advisor to an executive.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of legislative environment.
• Knowledge of legislative processes, public policy development, and government relations practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled in relationship management and stakeholder coordination.
• Knowledge of higher education, governance, funding, and institutional priorities.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm.
• 25% Travel.
• Hybrid work environment (remote & office).
• Extended work hours periodically required.
• Work Location: Austin or Arlington, TX

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits