Assistant Director for Government Affairs

Job Requisition:

JR101521 Assistant Director for Government Affairs (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director for Government Affairs

Department:

CC00011 WM001 | PRES | Government & External Affairs

Job Family:

Staff - Community Relations

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

William & Mary

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

Unit Mission Statement:
The Office of Government and External Affairs manage W&M’s federal, state, and local government affairs, community engagement, economic development collaborations, and other private sector partnerships and assists university leadership in the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the university’s strategy, legislative priorities, and economic development initiatives. This office is central to building collaborative partnerships with government, business, and other universities that strengthen our academic programs and provide resources to serve the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Chief Government and External Affairs Officer, the Assistant Director for Government Affairs (AD) will work to support and advance the University’s agenda with state legislative and executive branch agencies. The AD serves as the internal (W&M) point person for government affairs projects, meetings, events, etc. and is responsible for project management, strategically assessing individual project needs, and bridging communication across stakeholders.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Substantial experience managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships in a policy, government, or public affairs environment (typically 5+ years).

• Working knowledge of state government and the Virginia General Assembly.

• Knowledge of political and government protocol.

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a service-oriented approach, and to a variety of external and internal audiences, including public speaking.

• Proven track record of understanding complex matters, executing strategic efforts, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at the highest levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree.

• Degree in public policy, political science, government, marketing, public relations or related field.

• Professional experience in government affairs.

• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated knowledge of William & Mary's operations and institutional context. Current W&M employees are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive first consideration.

Job Duties:

50% - [Internal] Project Leadership and Management:

• Serve as the lead project manager for Government & External Affairs initiatives, working closely across the team to realize objectives and oversee project creation, implementation, management, execution, and evaluations of regional and state projects (and on occasion, campus-based initiatives which also support federal affairs).

• Liaise, collaborate, and build strong relationships with VIMS, University Operations, Office of the Provost, Office of Advancement, University Events, and other key offices on campus in supporting university priorities.

• Conduct research and policy analysis on legislation, regulations, and executive orders that may impact the University.

• Prepare comprehensive briefings, presentations, reports, summaries, talking points, and one-pagers to advance the Universities priorities across constituencies.

• Serve as the Government & External Affairs liaison at internal meetings, leading discussions on project-related agenda items.

• Regularly plan, lead, and manage both team and individual check-in meetings related to projects.

• Plan and manage visits to any W&M/VIMS-owned facilities by state officials and regional partners.

• Coordinate travel to and engagement with W&M and VIMS senior officials in Richmond and other parts of the Commonwealth.

30% - External Outreach and Communications:

• Support state government relations strategy development and implementation, including promoting legislative and fiscal priorities in Richmond.

• Liaise with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and other relevant state agencies, task forces, or work groups.

• Prepare comprehensive briefings, presentations, summaries, talking points, and one-pagers to advance the Universities priorities across constituencies.

20% - Special Projects:

• Build active and effective relationships across the campus community to assure cooperative and well-coordinated collaboration in support of Government and External Affairs Objectives to advance the professional exchange of information and the development of teamwork in all areas of project execution.

• Ensure compliance with all related lobbying disclosure and ethics rules.

• Proactively develop and implement special initiatives as directed by or in coordination with the Chief Government & External Affairs Officer.

• Maintain meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to deadlines across all assigned projects and reporting requirements.

Additional Job Description:

This position involves frequent travel between the William & Mary Williamsburg campus, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester, and Richmond.

For full consideration, submit your cover letter and resume/CV with your application, and apply by the review date.

Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Job Profile:

JP0506 - Deputy Chief Federal Government Liaison - Exempt - Salary - S15

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S15

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-03-27

Review Date:

2026-04-13

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.