Government Relations Director

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is actively seeking a Director of Government Relations for Postsecondary Education. This role leads the state government relations and advocacy efforts for UK’s postsecondary initiatives, coordinating with the President, Cabinet, and deans as they liaise with the Kentucky General Assembly and state agencies.

The Director will shape short- and long-range strategy, monitor legislative developments, and build a statewide network of advocates to advance UK’s priorities in

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of the Kentucky legislative process is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversight and direction of the University's State Government Relations Strategy.
• Planning, organizing and implementing strategies for short- and long-range government relations goals and objectives.
• Monitoring and evaluating operational effectiveness.
• Effecting changes required for improvement.
• Serving as a key member of the UK Legislative Team.
• Supporting and assisting the President, the Cabinet, and the College Deans in their roles as liaisons to the Kentucky General Assembly, state agencies, and local governments.
• Analyzing and monitoring legislation of potential interest to UK or post-secondary education.
• Developing effective advocacy networks.
• Building effective coalitions and a statewide network of advocates for the university and its issues.
• Representing the university at various state and local meetings and organizations, task forces, advocacy associations, etc. to provide an effective exchange of information relating to the university.

Skills

Kentucky legislative process

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Job Related Travel is required (10-50% of the time).

Shift

Monday through Friday with occasional night and weekend business events.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky is actively seeking a Director of Government Relations for Postsecondary Education.

Responsibilities for this role will include:

• oversight and direction of the University's State Government Relations Strategy
• planning, organizing and implementing strategies for short- and long-range government relations goals and objectives
• monitoring and evaluating operational effectiveness
• effecting changes required for improvement
• serving as a key member of the UK Legislative Team
• supporting and assisting the President, the Cabinet, and the College Deans in their roles as liaisons to the Kentucky General Assembly, state agencies, and local governments

Additionally the Director of Government Relations will be responsible for:

• analyzing and monitoring legislation of potential interest to UK or post-secondary education
• developing effective advocacy networks
• building effective coalitions and a statewide network of advocates for the university and its issues
• representing the university at various state and local meetings and organizations, task forces, advocacy associations, etc. to provide an effective exchange of information relating to the university

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

A solid understanding of the Kentucky legislative process is required.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/18/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn, and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of education completed?
  • High School or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PhD
  • Other
• * How many years of experience do you have in a Government Relations field?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 4 years
  • More than 4 years, up through 9 years
  • More than 9 years, up through 15 years
  • More than 15 years
• * Do you have experience working with the Kentucky legislative process?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have lobbying experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have experience working within higher education?
  • Yes
  • No