Director, Policy and Legal Affairs

Valencia College; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 67,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Valencia College is seeking a full-time Director, Policy and Legal Affairs to lead policy, legal affairs, public records, compliance and government relations with a strategic partnership mindset.

Reporting to the Vice President for Policy and General Counsel, this role shapes college-wide policy, manages records and litigation matters, monitors legislative developments, and translates evolving requirements into practical institutional actions that support mission-critical initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical judgment, organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in policy, legal affairs, higher education, or government.
• Knowledge of public-sector laws, regulations, and policy processes.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative approach and strong relationship-building skills.
• Master's degree in related field (paralegal studies, public policy, law, political science, or business).
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in legal services, policy development, legislative affairs or related field.
• Onsite work schedule: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm.
• Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida public-sector governance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy, legal affairs, public records, compliance, and government relations portfolio.
• Partner with senior leadership and the Office of Policy and General Counsel.
• Shape college-wide policy and manage records and litigation matters.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and translate evolving requirements into practical institutional action.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Policy experience

Legal affairs

Higher education/government experience

Judgment and discretion

Relationship-building

Education

Master's degree in related field

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Join Valencia College as a full-time Director, Policy and Legal Affairs!

Lead a high-impact portfolio spanning policy, legal affairs, public records, compliance, and government relations, serving as a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership and the Office of Policy and General Counsel. Reporting to the Vice President for Policy and General Counsel, this role offers an opportunity to shape college-wide policy, manage complex public records and litigation matters, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and translate evolving requirements into practical institutional action. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical judgment, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and experience working in higher education, government, or another complex, highly regulated environment. If you are a collaborative, strategic professional who thrives on navigating complex issues and making a meaningful institutional impact, we encourage you to apply here.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills


• Experience in policy, legal affairs, higher education, or government


• Knowledge of public-sector laws, regulations, and policy processes


• Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills


• A collaborative approach and strong relationship-building skills

Position Requirements:

• Master's Degree from a regionally accredited institution in paralegal studies, public policy, law, political science, business administration, or a closely related field.


• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in legal services, policy development, legislative affairs or related field; experience in managing record requests, subpoenas or litigation discovery.


• Work Schedule and Arrangement: This position operates in a primarily onsite environment. Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (Hours may vary based on business needs)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school


• Knowledge of Florida public-sector legal and governance requirements, including public records, open meetings, ethics, records retention, procurement, contracting, and governance.

Valencia's Total Rewards Commitment

Valencia College is committed to providing employees with a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. Your total rewards include significantly more than just your base pay. Our total rewards program offers a wide-ranging combination of pay, benefits, professional development, work/life balance in a meaningful, collaborative work environment, and so much more...

Additional Information:

• This position operates in a primarily onsite environment.


• At Valencia College, it’s more than just a job. We understand the importance of fostering a collaborative environment and achieving a true work/life balance. Join one of the largest community colleges in Florida, recognized as one of "The Great Colleges to Work For" by The Chronicle of Higher Education, and the inaugural winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, take the first steps by completing and submitting an online application for this position. There are plenty of places to find employment, but at Valencia College, you’ll find fulfillment. Moreover, we believe you will appreciate the commitment to work-life balance plus the inspiring, motivating, and teamwork-oriented environment that we enjoy every day.


• The salary range for the position is $66,939 - $75,642 per year.