Government Relations Director

Job Purpose The Government Relations Director (GRD) is responsible for Wayne State University’s engagement with local and regional government officials, staff, and agencies across Detroit and Southeast Michigan, and supports state-level policy and advocacy initiatives. The position advances institutional priorities through coordinated governmental relations activities and engagement aligned with university public policy and funding goals. In collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Government Relations (AVP GR) and colleagues within the Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE) team, the GRD develops and implements a local and regional government relations strategy that strengthens relationships with municipal, county, and regional stakeholders across Detroit and Southeast Michigan and identifies opportunities for collaboration on public policy and investment. The role ensures that local engagement efforts are coordinated with broader university advocacy objectives and remains responsive to evolving policy and political environments. Reporting to the AVP GR, the GRD serves as the university’s lead for local government relations and also provides direct support for state-level advocacy activities, including policy tracking and analysis, preparation of briefing materials, planning and implementation of policy and advocacy events, and coordination of meetings supporting institutional participation in legislative initiatives. The position contributes toward the execution of the university’s annual state legislative strategy as part of an integrated governmental relations and community engagement model within GRACE. The GRD works closely with the Community Engagement Senior Director of (CESD) to align governmental relations and community engagement activities. The GRD leads engagement with local and regional government officials for policy and budgeting issues, with the CESD supporting coordination with community partners and regional stakeholders. The GRD maintains an active presence on campus and throughout the region, with additional regular engagement in Lansing. The GRD collaborates with university faculty and staff to translate institutional priorities into external engagement opportunities, engages with Alumni Affairs to activate alumni for advocacy initiatives, monitors local policy and regulatory developments affecting the university, and coordinates with University Relations colleagues to align and promote governmental engagement activities. Essential Functions Lead development and implementation of a comprehensive local and regional government relations strategy aligned with university priorities. Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and public investment, and ensure engagement activities adapt to evolving policy and political environments. Monitor and analyze local legislative and regulatory developments affecting the university and provide timely updates and recommendations to senior leadership. Track outputs and outcomes of activities and initiatives. Cultivate and maintain relationships, networks and contacts with local and regional officials, their staff, and related organizations and associations. Work in coordination with Alumni Affairs to help identify and engage alumni and community leaders who can support university priorities in governmental and public policy settings. Serve as primary staff support to the Associate Vice President on state-level advocacy initiatives. Contribute to execution of the university’s annual state legislative strategy through policy tracking and analysis, preparation of briefing and advocacy materials, coordination of legislative meetings and campus visits, planning and implementation of advocacy events, and participation in engagement with state officials and stakeholders. Ensure campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, have opportunities to learn about, participate in, and/or contribute information to local and regional advocacy efforts. Maintain a visible presence on campus to build relationships and effectively communicate how WSU serves as an engine of opportunity for students and the broader community. Collaborate closely with the Community Engagement Senior Director to align governmental relations and community engagement activities and support campus events involving elected officials and public partners. Perform other related duties as assigned. WORK CONTEXT Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean. Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy. Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures. Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives. Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy.