Best consideration date for applications: Thursday, October 29, 2026
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (VCGR) is the primary advisor to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents on government relations, engagement, and advocacy strategy. The VCGR oversees State and Federal relations and coordinates the development of government relations priorities and advocacy efforts across the System, including proactive engagement with policymakers, agency leadership, and other stakeholders. This position is pivotal in advising on legislative issues, policy proposals, funding opportunities, and shaping legislation and policy that could have impact on the System.
RESPONSIBILITIES
State Legislative Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy:
- Develops and spearheads the USM state relations strategy to promote the System's mission, core values, objectives, and interests.
- Formulates and advances a legislative agenda that upholds the System’s mission, objectives, and operations.
- Continuously monitors local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments that could affect the USM.
- Provides timely updates, advice, and recommendations to the Chancellor, Board of Regents, USMO staff and other relevant stakeholders on emerging legislation and regulatory issues.
- Coordinates with senior staff on the development of testimony, fiscal notes, and other messaging to advance the System.
- Shapes state higher education-related policy impacting the USM through consultation with legislators and the Governor’s key advisors
Government and External Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engages with key stakeholders, including the Governor, Maryland General Assembly, Maryland Congressional delegation, state and federal government agencies, key local officials, and significant higher education associations.
- Fosters constructive relationships with state officials to enlighten them on higher education issues specific to the USM.
- Assists the Chancellor and Board Chair with engagements within the broader regional and national higher education sectors and with national higher education associations.
- Consults with the Governor and his key advisors on matters affecting USM, higher education policy, operations, and budget.
- Builds rapport with other policymakers, business and community figures, and stakeholders to advocate for education, research, and initiatives that support the USM.
State Relations Council Leadership and Coordination:
- Serves as the Chair of the USM State Relations Council.
- Coordinates the Council's activities, ensuring alignment with the System's mission while respecting individual university goals.
Federal Government Relations and Institutional Coordination:
- Strengthens the Federal government relations strategy to increase engagement, visibility, and support for the System's mission, objectives, and operations at the Federal level.
- Convenes USM Federal institutional representatives to foster enhanced collaboration and dialogue.
Executive Leadership and Strategic Advising:
- Serves on the Chancellor’s senior leadership team, advising on matters beyond government affairs that impact the System.
ANNUAL SALARY
$280,000-$320,000
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
Required Experience:
Demonstrated success working within or with Maryland legislative and Federal Government processes and with issues in State and Federal Higher Education.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to provide USM leadership with information, analysis, and comment on matters related to higher education; create alignment across a complex, decentralized System comprised of diverse institutions; and effectively influence and persuade government, community, and other stakeholders to align with System goals and mission.
- Good judgement, political acumen, and the ability to work well across political and social boundaries.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially as it relates to legislative strategy.
PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Experience:
- Demonstrated experience with management of a legislative agenda, higher education policy, budget advocacy, and labor relations.
- Prior experience working with Maryland legislators, the executive branch, and their staff. Prior experience working with Federal relations.
- Experience working for or with the USM.
Benefits
- Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 16-17 holidays, 3 personal leave days, 12 weeks paid family medical leave.
- Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts.
- Retirement Plans: Mandatory and supplemental options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA.
- Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
- Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families.
- Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
- Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services.