CAREER CENTER

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

Note: This is a posting for a two-year term appointment

Associate Director, Government Relations (State Relations, Lansing)

As the Associate Director of State Relations, you will have a critical position in the Office of the Vice President for Government Relations.  You will work with our Government Relations team and report directly to the Vice President for Government Relations. You will help with the advancement of our strategy, agenda and associated activities by working with state government officials, agencies, partners and related organizations. This position is based in Lansing, MI, but will require regular travel to the University's Ann Arbor campus and throughout the state. As a key member of the team, you will support the University’s state government relations strategies and activities, working with internal and external stakeholders, monitor the effect of public policy changes on the University, advise senior staff and communicate impact by creating issue and program summaries for campus stakeholders.

This is a two year term-limited position that may require work in the evenings and on weekends. In collaboration with the State Director, you will have independent responsibility over a variety of activities and will work in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor proceedings of the Michigan Legislature and provide analysis, including drafting written summaries and talking points on potential impacts for senior staff members
• Represent the university by building relationships and communicating regularly with stakeholders; including Legislative and Executive Office holders, state government officials, agencies, and representatives; report back to the team verbally, and in writing, on results of interactions and meetings
• Create and distribute communications to the campus community to keep them informed about our work and policy concerns
• Use your knowledge of the political process as it relates to the landscape for higher education at the state level to inform your work
• Assist with educational and career opportunities for students in state government such as with the Executive branch, Legislature, state agencies, and other related organizations.
• Become familiar with our mission to support advocacy efforts
• Work with diverse teams across a large, decentralized organization
• Plan and execute meetings and prepare materials for visits to Lansing, in legislative districts and on the Ann Arbor campus for Legislators and campus leaders
• Help with the Wolverine Caucus and other signature events led by our office

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience
• 3+ years of state, local government, or non-profit advocacy or equivalent, related experience 
• Demonstrated knowledge of state legislative and budget development processes and familiarity with the role the state plays in terms of funding for public institutions of higher education, especially the Michigan Legislative and Executive branch
• Interest in (or the ability to) advocating for higher education, financial aid, students, faculty and staff in a bipartisan mannerKnowledge and application of project management best practices or advanced proficiency in organizational skills

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.