Director of Government Relations (Onsite)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $140,000- $160,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 13th, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is fully onsite.

This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and to participate in the University's DMV Pull Program.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the guidance of and in consultation with the Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff, the Director of Government Relations serves as the lead strategist and coordinator for UC Merced's government relations, public policy, and advocacy activities. The Director works closely with campus leadership to identify institutional priorities and goals, assess legislative and regulatory opportunities and risks, and develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies that advance the university's mission and strategic objectives.

The Director is responsible for building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and their staff, government agencies, community partners, higher education associations, stakeholder organizations, and other internal and external constituencies. Serving as a trusted advisor to campus leadership on public policy matters, the Director monitors legislative and regulatory developments, analyzes their potential impact on the university, and develops and implements strategies to advance institutional priorities and mitigate risk through outreach and advocacy with government officials and staff, community leaders, stakeholder groups, and partner organizations.

The Director collaborates across the university to raise awareness of legislative, budgetary, and public policy issues affecting higher education and research. The position develops and coordinates engagement opportunities for campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders to support advocacy efforts and strengthen relationships with policymakers and key influencers.

The Director develops and implements communications strategies that support government relations and public affairs objectives, in close coordination with External Relations. This includes creating and managing advocacy related communications, digital and social media content, briefing materials, newsletters, reports, presentations, and other messaging designed to inform, engage, and activate internal and external audiences around institutional priorities and policy initiatives.

The Director serves as a key liaison between UC Merced, the UC Office of the President, Federal Government Relations, and State Government Relations offices, elected officials and staff, governmental agencies, and community partners, ensuring alignment of advocacy efforts and promoting a consistent, strategic voice on issues of importance to the university. The position may represent the university in meetings, coalitions, community forums, and public events and facilitates positive relationships that advance UC Merced's visibility, reputation, and influence at the local, state, and federal levels.

Assignments frequently involve highly complex, politically sensitive, and high-profile issues requiring independent judgment, strategic thinking, diplomacy, and exceptional relationship-management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Government Relations Strategy and Advocacy: In consultation with the Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff and campus leadership, develops and implements comprehensive government relations and advocacy strategies to advance institutional priorities. Identifies legislative, regulatory, and budget opportunities and risks; develops policy positions and advocacy plans; and coordinates university engagement with policymakers and governmental agencies to support UC Merced's mission and strategic objectives. Monitors, researches, and analyzes legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments affecting higher education, research, and other university priorities. Advises campus leadership on emerging issues, assesses potential impacts, and develops recommendations and advocacy strategies to advance institutional interests and mitigate risk. Advises campus leadership regarding legislative and regulatory developments affecting labor relations, collective bargaining, workforce policy, and represented employee groups. Develops confidential analyses and recommendations concerning the potential impact of proposed legislation and public policy initiatives on the University's labor relations strategy and bargaining objectives.

• Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement: Builds, maintains, and strengthens productive relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials and their staff, governmental agencies, higher education associations, community organizations, business leaders, and other strategic stakeholders. Represents the university in meetings, coalitions, community forums, and public events to advance UC Merced's visibility, reputation, and influence.

• Campus Advocacy and Constituent Engagement: Collaborates with campus leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to build awareness of legislative and public policy issues. Develops and coordinates advocacy initiatives, campus visits, briefings, stakeholder engagement activities, and other opportunities that strengthen relationships with policymakers and support institutional priorities.

• Government Relations Communications and Public Affairs: Develops and implements communications strategies, in coordination with External Relations, to support advocacy and public affairs objectives. Creates and manages briefing materials, policy updates, presentations, newsletters, reports, digital content, social media messaging, and other communications that inform and engage internal and external audiences regarding university priorities and policy initiatives.

• Other duties: As part of the Office of the Chancellor, supports special projects, assignments, events, activities, and initiatives, as needed.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related field. (Required)

• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a government relations job function, or a combination of education, training, and experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of the campus, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, issues of concern and infrastructure. (Preferred)

• Advanced knowledge of assigned area of responsibility, for example, the campus and / or medical center scientific community. (Preferred)

• Advanced knowledge of issues of concern in higher education.

• Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituencies.

• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.

• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and / or mitigate problems or issues. (Preferred)

• Advanced project management skills, including skills to plan and implement successful events.

• Advanced knowledge of the legislative process, including organization procedures and the budget and appropriations processes.

• Advanced skills to read, interpret, understand and respond to pending and proposed legislation, including skills necessary to draft legislation.

• Advanced skills to read, interpret, understand and respond to pending and proposed legislation, including skills to write effective position statements and draft proposed legislation.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/