Government Relations Director

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is actively seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead its state government affairs strategy. This role directs planning, monitoring, and execution of priorities with the Kentucky General Assembly, state agencies, and local governments.

Responsibilities include building coalitions, developing advocacy networks, and representing UK at meetings and task forces. Travel and occasional after-hours events are required to support policy initiatives.

Qualifications

• Five years of related experience in government relations or public policy.
• Proven understanding of the Kentucky legislative process.
• BA required; advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the University's State Government Relations Strategy planning and execution.
• Monitor and evaluate legislative impact; implement improvements as needed.
• Support the President, Cabinet, and Deans in liaison work with the Kentucky General Assembly and state agencies.
• Develop advocacy networks and coalitions; build a statewide network of advocates for UK.

Skills

Kentucky legislation

Education

BA

Job description

Government Relations Director

Job Title | Government Relations Director

Requisition Number | RE56365

Working Title | Director of Government Relations

Department Name | 3R000:VP University Relations

Work Location | Lexington, KY

Grade Level | 00

Salary Range |

Type of Position | Staff

Position Time Status | Full-Time

Required Education | BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience | 5 yrs

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

Preferred Education/Experience |

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.