What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Relations Director position at Wayne State University?
Government Relations Director
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Government Relations Director at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose
The Government Relations Director (GRD) is responsible for Wayne State University’s engagement with local and regional government officials, staff, and agencies across Detroit and Southeast Michigan, and supports state-level policy and advocacy initiatives. The position advances institutional priorities through coordinated governmental relations activities and engagement aligned with university public policy and funding goals.
In collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Government Relations (AVP GR) and colleagues within the Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE) team, the GRD develops and implements a local and regional government relations strategy that strengthens relationships with municipal, county, and regional stakeholders across Detroit and Southeast Michigan and identifies opportunities for collaboration on public policy and investment. The role ensures that local engagement efforts are coordinated with broader university advocacy objectives and remains responsive to evolving policy and political environments.
Reporting to the AVP GR, the GRD serves as the university’s lead for local government relations and also provides direct support for state-level advocacy activities, including policy tracking and analysis, preparation of briefing materials, planning and implementation of policy and advocacy events, and coordination of meetings supporting institutional participation in legislative initiatives. The position contributes toward the execution of the university’s annual state legislative strategy as part of an integrated governmental relations and community engagement model within GRACE.
The GRD works closely with the Community Engagement Senior Director of (CESC) to align governmental relations and community engagement activities. The GRD leads engagement with local and regional government officials for policy and budgeting issues, with the CESC supporting coordination with community partners and regional stakeholders. The GRD maintains an active presence on campus and throughout the region, with additional regular engagement in Lansing. The GRD collaborates with university faculty and staff to translate institutional priorities into external engagement opportunities, engages with Alumni Affairs to activate alumni for advocacy initiatives, monitors local policy and regulatory developments affecting the university, and coordinates with University Relations colleagues to align and promote governmental engagement activities.
Essential Functions
Lead development and implementation of a comprehensive local and regional government relations strategy aligned with university priorities. Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and public investment, and ensure engagement activities adapt to evolving policy and political environments. Monitor and analyze local legislative and regulatory developments affecting the university and provide timely updates and recommendations to senior leadership. Track outputs and outcomes of activities and initiatives.
Cultivate and maintain relationships, networks and contacts with local and regional officials, their staff, and related organizations and associations. Work in coordination with Alumni Affairs to help identify and engage alumni and community leaders who can support university priorities in governmental and public policy settings.
Serve as primary staff support to the Associate Vice President on state-level advocacy initiatives. Contribute to execution of the university’s annual state legislative strategy through policy tracking and analysis, preparation of briefing and advocacy materials, coordination of legislative meetings and campus visits, planning and implementation of advocacy events, and participation in engagement with state officials and stakeholders.
Ensure campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, have opportunities to learn about, participate in, and/or contribute information to local and regional advocacy efforts. Maintain a visible presence on campus to build relationships and effectively communicate how WSU serves as an engine of opportunity for students and the broader community. Collaborate closely with the Community Engagement Senior Director to align governmental relations and community engagement activities and support campus events involving elected officials and public partners.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
WORK CONTEXT
Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean.
Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy.
Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures.
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives.
Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in political science, public policy, public administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).
Experience (5-7 years) in legislative and governmental affairs, public policy, public relations, or closely related field. Experience in multiple political arenas (federal, state, and local government) and legal experience preferred. Experience in higher education is helpful but not required. Management experience including, but not limited to planning, development, and implementation of programs/policies; supervision of staff; development and oversight of financial resources and budget planning.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Collaborative and solutions-oriented outlook with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and maintain a strong focus on execution, accountability, and measurable results.
Capable of taking initiative, following through on agreed-upon priorities, communicating effectively and transparently, and contributing to shared objectives across teams and leadership structures.
Must be able to register as a lobbyist with the State of Michigan.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated understanding of legislative and governmental processes and experience supporting advocacy initiatives.
Ability to analyze complex policy issues, synthesize information from multiple sources, and provide clear, strategic recommendations.
General knowledge of issues facing higher education and familiarity with governmental budget practices preferred.
School/College/Division:
H37 - Governmental & Community Aff
Primary department:
H3701 - VP Gov and Community Affairs
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Salary hire maximum: Negotiable
Working conditions:
- Normal office environment. - Some evening and weekend work is required. - Travel required.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.