Government and Community Relations Liason

Luna Community College; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Luna Community College is seeking a part-time Government and Community Relations Liaison to represent the college with state and local government entities and community partners.

The role supports the President and senior leadership in advancing legislative priorities, monitoring policy developments, and strengthening external relationships across New Mexico. Approximately 25 hours per week with some travel and occasional evenings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field required.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible government relations experience.
• Experience with NM Legislature or state government preferred.
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance Luna's state and local legislative priorities.
• Serve as liaison with NM legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, local officials, and community partners.
• Monitor state legislative, regulatory, budget, and policy developments affecting the College and provide updates to leadership.
• Coordinate meetings, campus visits, and legislative presentations.
• Prepare briefing materials, testimony, and talking points for governmental audiences.
• Maintain relationships with community leaders to support workforce development and student success.
• Represent Luna at governmental and community meetings as requested by the President.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

New Mexico politics

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Discretion

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science / Public Administration / Public Policy / Communications

Master’s degree or JD preferred

Job description

Compensation $40,625 /annually (negotiable depending on education and experience)

Compensation $40,625 /annually (negotiable depending on education and experience)

Compensation Type

Exempt

Employment Type

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Grade

E13

Department

Administrative Operations

Position Summary

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Government and Community Relations Liaison is a part‑time position requiring approximately 25 hours per week. This position represents Luna Community College with state and local government entities and supports relationships with community partners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Working closely with the President and senior leadership, the Liaison helps advance the College’s legislative and governmental priorities, monitors relevant policy and budget developments, and strengthens priority external relationships that support Luna’s mission, students, and service region.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Works with the President and senior leadership to develop and advance Luna's state and local legislative and governmental priorities.
• Serves as a key liaison with New Mexico legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, local elected officials, and governmental partners.
• Monitors relevant state legislative, regulatory, budget, and policy developments affecting the College and provides timely analysis and updates to the President and leadership.
• Coordinates meetings, campus visits, legislative presentations, and other governmental engagement activities.
• Supports advocacy for college appropriations, capital outlay, policy priorities, and other institutional needs.
• Prepares briefing materials, legislative correspondence, testimony, presentations, talking points, and reports for governmental and legislative audiences.
• Maintains and strengthens priority community relationships identified in consultation with the President, including relationships that advance workforce development, student success, and regional partnerships.
• Represents Luna at selected governmental and community meetings and events as requested by the President.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of New Mexico's political landscape, legislative process, and government structure.
• Ability to analyze legislative, regulatory, budget, and policy proposals and communicate their potential impact on the College clearly and concisely.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, government staff, and community leaders.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities and challenges and develop proactive solutions.
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive information with integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with modern communication tools.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Work is performed primarily in person, both on campus and at governmental and community locations throughout the College’s service region and elsewhere in New Mexico. Regular travel is required.
• Limited remote work may be permitted based on operational needs and with the President’s approval.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, particularly during legislative sessions and for governmental or community events.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Government, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Master’s degree, Juris Doctor, or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, community outreach, or a related field.
• Experience working in or with the New Mexico Legislature or state government is preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Luna Community College management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

EEO STATEMENT: LCC is an equal opportunity employer.