Senior Director of Government Relations

Office of the President/Chief of Staff

554586

Close Date: March 22^nd, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

 

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

 

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

 

(554586) Administrator III, Senior Director of Government Relations, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 – $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $14,166- $15,833 per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.  This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, at-will position in University Advancement. This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP). Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President. Additional information can be found at: http://www.calstate.edu/HRAdm/policies/mpp.shtml.

 

This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director of Government Relations provides strategic leadership and operations management for Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, community, and regional governmental relations program. This position is responsible for developing and executing campus-based advocacy strategies that advance University priorities, support CSU sponsored legislation and budget initiatives, for the recruitment and training of key university support groups related to federal and state relations program and for strengthening Cal Poly Humboldt’s visibility and influence among its partners.

 

The Senior Director serves as the primary liaison between state, federal and regional agencies, state and congressional delegation, and other state elected officials throughout California. Acting with a high degree of independent judgement, the Senior Director also serves the President’s liaison to regional government and civic organizations.  In addition, will act as a point of contact on behalf of the VP and the University President to interface with various internal subject matter experts and external agencies/stakeholders, when appropriate to accomplish project goals.

 

Key Responsibilities:
Government Relations and Advocacy Management 30%

Direct and manage Cal Poly Humboldt’s federal, state, and local government relations and advocacy activities. Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans aligned with University and CSU system priorities. Monitor legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting higher education and the University, assess potential impacts, and recommend strategic responses. Represent the University in meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies, including participation in advocacy visits and briefings.

 

Strategic Outreach and Project Planning: 25%

Serve as the primary campus liaison to the CSU Chancellor's Office of Advocacy & State Relations, CSU Chancellor's Office of Federal Relations, and other external governmental consultants. Coordinate campus input into CSU systemwide legislative, regulatory, and budget initiatives. Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, and talking points for the President, Vice President, and other senior leaders to support effective engagement with governmental stakeholders.

 

Advocacy and Partnership Building: 15%

Lead the development of strategic advocacy plans that build support for Cal Poly Humboldt projects and policy initiatives among different constituencies. Serve on advisory boards and represent the university

 

Regional and Community Government Relations: 10%

Serves as a campus liaison to regional civic groups and non-profit agencies. Represent the University on external boards, committees, and task forces, as appropriate. Strengthen partnerships that support regional economic development, educational access, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission.

 

Strategic Outreach and Project Planning: 15%

 Interfaces with students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the university to align internal priorities with external advocacy efforts. Convene and coordinate internal subject matter experts to support policy development, data-informed advocacy, and effective communication with governmental partners. Provide guidance and education to campus stakeholders regarding governmental processes, advocacy protocols, and compliance requirements.

 

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

• Must be able to work with a broad range of constituents through networking and/or strong oral/written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively act as a liaison between the university and government officials, agencies, community stakeholders and organizations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the President and Executive Cabinet, Academic Senate, Associated Students, Alumni Director, Campus Research Officer, and University Researchers.
• Ability to maintain ongoing relationships with federal, state, regional, and local elected officials.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address policy issues affecting higher education.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex policy environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, exhibiting high levels of attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to bring together a diverse group of constituents for the betterment of the university.
• Communication skills to represent the university with external organizations and officials.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures and processes, legislative processes, and public policy development, particularly as they relate to higher education.
• Ability to analyze complex policy, legislative, and budget issues; assess political feasibility and institutional risk; and develop strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony, correspondence, and executive-level briefing materials.
• Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the University to elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and differing viewpoints from wide ranging stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of ethics, compliance, and regulatory requirements related to governmental advocacy.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years direct experience doing advocacy work and direct interaction with elected officials and staff within California (College University system, legislative, County, State, Tribal or Federal Office) is required.
• A valid driver's license and working car is required for this position. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of lobbying regulations, including the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
• Understanding of higher education policy issues and their implications.
• Knowledge of working within a larger system and ability to collaborate within the CSU/Chancellor's office is preferred
• Experience in higher education government relations specifically (budget, capital outlay, financial aid, research funding)
• Experience working with tribal governments.
• Experience managing or coordinating external government relations consultants.
• Familiarity with state budget and appropriations processes.

 

 

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisory references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on March 22, 2026.

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

This position is a “designated position” in the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.” In reference to the full disclosure letter, please refer to HR 2010-08.

 

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.  Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

 

Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.

Class Code: [3306]
Publication Date: [02/20/2026]