Date Posted:
September 26, 2026
Position Title:
Associate Director, State Government Relations
Office/Company:
University of Maryland
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Job Number:
HC-13120
Reports To:
Location:
College Park, MD
Contact:
Salary:
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Description:
Associate Director, State Government Relations The Associate Director for State Government Relations works under the direction of the Director of State and Local Government Relations to advocate for the University of Maryland’s priorities with the Maryland General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, and other state governmental stakeholders. This position serves as a primary day-to-day liaison between the University and state legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, and agency staff. The Associate Director supports the full range of state government relations activities, including legislative monitoring and analysis, advocacy strategy, testimony and policy material development, relationship-building, budget and regulatory tracking, and coordination of state government requests involving University leadership, faculty, staff, students, and administrative units. The Associate Director plays a central role in the University’s annual legislative session strategy and maintains year-round engagement with state government to advance University priorities, identify opportunities for collaboration, anticipate risks, and shape policy outcomes. As appropriate, this position may represent the University before the General Assembly, state agencies, external coalitions, and stakeholder groups. This role works closely with other members of the Office of Government Relations, including colleagues responsible for strategic initiatives, community engagement, federal relations, local government relations, and government communications, to ensure coordinated and consistent engagement across all levels of government.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in legislative affairs working directly with lawmakers on policy or budget matters.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of state and local government structures, legislative processes, public policy development, and governmental relations practices.
• Knowledge of legislative affairs strategies, advocacy principles, and approaches for engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and other governmental stakeholders.
• Knowledge of higher education issues, institutional priorities, and policies impacting public universities.
• Skill in monitoring, analyzing, and summarizing legislative proposals, regulations, and public policy issues affecting organizational priorities.
• Skill in developing written communications, legislative briefings, reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret complex legislative and policy information and evaluate potential impacts on institutional programs and priorities.
• Ability to coordinate government relations activities, including legislative tracking, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally while representing institutional interests with diverse audiences.
Instructions:
Apply here
Other:
