State Relations Coordinator

CU System; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental

Disability, Life, Vision Insurance

401(a) retirement plan

Free RTD EcoPass and onsite parking

Job summary

CU System invites applications for the State Relations Coordinator, a role within System Administration that supports the university’s state government relations strategy. The position requires coordinating legislative research, stakeholder engagement, and event planning, with hybrid work options and an in-office requirement in Denver, CO during peak months.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and demonstrates strong communication, organizational, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• One (1) year of office experience in higher education, government, or related work environment.

Responsibilities

• Supports state legislative session through legislative research, development of legislator profiles and briefing materials, and maintenance of legislative databases and contact information.
• Works with Senior Director of State Relations to research, analyze, and report upon a wide range of legislative policy and procedural matters; synthesizes information and develops materials.
• Prepares reports and notes while covering and representing the University at committee hearings and meetings when necessary.
• Coordinates event outreach for legislators; manages calendars and materials; tracks election results and develops biographies for official use.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

The missions of the Office of Government Relations are to support the University's efforts of building effective relationships between the University and the State and Federal governments.

The State Relations Coordinator supports the University's state government relations strategy through legislative research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, constituent response, legislative and election tracking, event and outreach coordination, and operational management. The position independently coordinates assigned state relations activities.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in the office at 1800 Grant St, Denver, CO. Please note that from the months of January through May, this role requires full-time in-office attendance.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Supports the state legislative session through legislative research, development of legislator profiles and briefing materials, and maintenance of legislative databases and contact information; responds to research and information requests to support the state relations team;
• Works with the Senior Director of State Relations to research, analyze, and report upon a wide-range of legislative policy and procedural matters, synthesizes information and develops materials both in the normal course of business, and in response to requests from the VP, Senior Director, university constituencies, and Government officials, as appropriate;
• Serves as back-up to the Senior Director of State Relations on bill tracking during the legislative session;
• Under the supervision of the Senior Director of State Relations, prepares reports and notes while covering and representing the University at committee hearings and meetings when necessary;
• Coordinates with VP and Senior Director of State Relations on the development of invitation lists for campus events and outreach meetings for legislators attendance;
• Works with the Senior Director of State Relations on election coverage by tracking primary and general election results, drafting update reports and elected official biographies for use by Regents, System Administration and Chancellors;
• Manages the scheduling of meetings, updating calendars and preparing corresponding materials for VP of State Relations, Senior Director of State Relations, and Senior Advisors for State Relations & Public Policy;
• Provides logistical support for meetings, tours and events including assisting with securing parking, food, and venues; sending invitations, collecting RSVP's and staffing select events; preparing thank you letters, and assisting with other items as needed for the success of the specific event;
• Manages travel arrangements for State Relations team including preparing itineraries and expense reimbursement reports and making travel reservations;
• Supports operations for Denver office, including office budgets, contracts, and travel; approves A-card transactions; coordinates payment of bills in a timely manner, and under supervision of Senior Director of State Relations, helps to manage relationship with building management including safety issues, lease issues, and suite maintenance;
• Assists with a variety of duties including filing; purchasing supplies; preparing expense system reports, making deliveries and attending meetings that are relevant to the position;
• Drafts a variety of documents including correspondence, emails and reports, including assisting the Senior Director of State Relations on preparing the department's newsletter for the state team;
• Assists with special projects including regent outreach activities and others as they arise;
• Manages the state team's social media accounts, including developing and coordinating content that supports the department's communication and engagement priorities;
• Works to coordinate strategic coverage of events and meetings for the department;
• Works with Senior Director of State Relations to resolve constituent requests from legislators regarding issues on campuses;
• Oversees the maintenance of office tracking spreadsheets and databases;
• Supports Senior Director of State Relations in managing football invitations and ticketing for state elected officials and congressional members, as well as invoicing and receipt of monies for their purchased tickets;
• Oversees the systematic relationship building and coverage of internal constituencies;

What We Offer:

Salary:

The anticipated hiring range has been established at $75,000-$80,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits:

With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of office experience in higher education, government, or related work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A relevant graduate degree or coursework.
• Two (2) years of related experience.
• Experience working in Government Relations in a higher education institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-starter with good judgment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Team player with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet deadlines while staying on task with daily assignments.
• Possess advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: [e-mail].

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: External Relations

Primary Location: Denver

Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50050 - Government Relations

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Sep 1, 2026

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]

Position Number: 00003102