Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: N7061 / Assoc Dir,Government Relations
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 15
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

This position serves as a liaison for the UNM Office of Government and Community Relations (OGCR) for decisions, operations, and activities for the University with regards to local and/or state legislative and community relations; including identifying and analyzing potential threats and opportunities on behalf of the University. Develops and maintains working relationships and communications with internal and external stakeholders, constituents, legislative staff, public officials, and University leadership. Attends and participates in stakeholder and community meetings and events. Manages strategy development, funding and policy implementation, issue negotiations, and the accomplishment of University and OGCR goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Develops and maintains relationships with state and/or local government agency officials, to represent and promote the development of strategic compliance programs to promote the University's agendas.
  2. Actively seeks, develops, and maintains stakeholder and community contacts to build and strengthen a network with the University's constituencies and encourage investment in and support for UNM, its programs, and its initiatives.
  3. Serves as an ambassador for the University and shares its vision and goals with community stakeholders, public officials, and decision-makers.
  4. Serves as a liaison with city and county government officials and staff, community stakeholder networks, and constituent groups; attends and participates in meetings.
  5. Maintains communications with University leadership, state and/or local executive agencies, the legislature, congressional delegation, internal and external stakeholders with regard to policy and advocacy strategies.
  6. Provides relevant, timely, and insightful input on legislation, initiatives, and proposals of direct relevance to the University.
  7. Administers and coordinates complex requests, advocacy activities, and interactions with public officials, elected leaders, New Mexico's Congressional delegation, and state and/or local government agencies.
  8. Monitors existing and proposed initiatives and measures, meeting with local and/or state government officials and stakeholders, apprising management on the legislative, regulatory, and advocacy landscapes.
  9. Manages and coordinates the development and distribution of state and/or local legislative, regulatory, and economic development proposals, information, and materials.
  10. Represents state government relations expertise and assists in administrative problem solving, program/project planning, policy development, and execution of University and OGCR goals and objectives. Makes recommendations during the legislative sessions and maintains communications with University leadership.
  11. Leads efforts to design initiatives and processes that enhance government affairs capacity across the University and/or UNM HSC.
  12. May participate in implementing short- and/or long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
  13. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage fluctuating priorities to meet deadlines.
  • Knowledge of State and/or local government issues related to higher education.
  • Knowledge of bill enactment process and bill tracking systems.
  • Ability to work effectively with legislators and legislative committees.
  • Ability to establish and build community relationships and networks.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Skill in analyzing a broad range of issues and prepare written materials to influence opinions of a wide range of constituencies and legislators.
  • Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
  • Ability to research legislative history and the status of pending legislation and to analyze pending and enacted legislation.
  • Ability to use independent judgment, manage and impart information to a range of internal and external organizations and constituencies.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as project management, analytical, planning and presentation.
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Conditions of Employment

  • Work odd hours including weekends.
  • Work may, on occasion, involve travel and overnight stay.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 06/01/2023