Government Relations Director

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Oct 15, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Government Relations Director
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Development
Department	VP of Public Affairs
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Government Relations Director for the Office of the Vice Present of Public Affairs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Government Relations, the Government Relations Director will be responsible for building strategic partnerships and relationships to advance Rutgers' Federal Relations, State Government Relations, and Scarlet Service initiatives. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Cultivates a broad range of relationships with regional, state, and local government stakeholders to advance the University's education, research, and public service mission. Assists the Senior Vice President with the University's federal and state relations activities through a variety of tasks, as needed. Leads the planning and execution of events and meetings on campus and in the community, including visits by government officials, in an efficient and orderly manner. Executes requests from the staff of elected representatives, which require a courteous, timely, and articulate response. Represents the university at meetings with a variety of external associations and coalitions. Develops a plan for strategic relationship cultivation for key public sector partners.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	09
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	124967.000
Mid Range Salary	158175.000
Maximum Salary	191383.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree . Five (5) years of experience in local, state, or federal government or government relations role.
Certifications/Licenses	A valid driver's license would be required for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Detail oriented and have strong interpersonal skills. Thorough understanding of government legislative and regulatory processes as they relate to higher education, as well as a strong understanding of government protocol, lobbying laws, and related compliance requirements. Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced interdisciplinary environment, and the incumbent must possess very strong organizational and communications skills. Strong knowledge of New Jersey government, politics, and institutions.
Preferred Qualifications	Seven years of relevant experience. Experience managing higher education policy and/or a government relations program on behalf of higher education at the state and/or federal level. Strong communication and organizational skills as well as being able to manage multiple priorities, think strategically, and be receptive to change. Experience and/or familiarity with Rutgers University schools, processes, policies and systems is a plus.
Equipment Utilized	Must be thoroughly proficient in MS Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions	Clean Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST2209
Posting Open Date	10/15/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Downtown New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement