Director of Government Relations, University Advancement

Job Description:

Director of Government Relations, University Advancement

Description

Job Overview

The Director of Government Relations (DGR) is a high-profile, strategic position charged with designing and guiding CSUSM’s comprehensive government relations strategy. Reporting to the Vice President of University Advancement and operating with significant autonomy, the DGR elevates CSUSM’s standing as a trusted thought partner for elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels. Responsible for navigating complex legislative and budget cycles, the DGR proactively influences policy that directly affects CSUSM and its mission of social mobility and equity. A master relationship builder, the DGR works in lockstep with the California State University (CSU) System to implement regional and national advocacy plans, positioning CSUSM as an essential regional resource and a leader in conversations that align CSUSM’s regional impact with the broader legislative agenda of the CSU system. This is a highly collaborative role, working in close partnership with CSUSM’s President, senior leadership, and the broader campus community-including faculty, staff, and alumni. The DGR provides strategic leadership and advisory support to the Advocacy Committee of the Foundation Board, ensuring the University’s most influential stakeholders are effectively engaged in advancing CSUSM’s legislative goals. Serving as a vital bridge to the next generation of leaders, the DGR acts as a strategic advisor to the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Lobby Corps, ensuring advocacy efforts are integrated and inclusive across all major issue areas. The DGR will also serve on several other high-level, campus-wide committees.

Position Summary

Director of Government Relations (Administrator II)

This is a full-time, exempt position in the Management Personnel Plan (MPP). MPP positions serve at the pleasure of the President.

For a complete list of responsibilities and required qualifications, please review the position description linked at the top of the page.

Pay, Benefits, and Work Schedule

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $9,584 - $10,834 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,053 - $16,221 per month

Salary is commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year; 14 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by visiting our Benefits Portal . The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of the benefits package.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

California State University San Marcos

A mid-size university located in San Diego's vibrant North County, we are dedicated to service, innovation, leadership and student success. We have an attentive faculty and state-of-the-art facilities which offer our students hundreds of opportunities to learn, lead, play and serve.

California State University San Marcos is a new kind of university, pushing the boundaries of innovation to prepare tomorrow's leaders, build stronger communities and solve pressing issues.

Cutting-edge research meets hands-on application at our campus and in the real world.

Application Process

Cal State San Marcos has partnered with Blair Search Partners for this search. For more information or to apply, please contact Katie Do at Blair Search Partners .

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or testing process due to a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/CA Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) should notify the Office of Human Resources at (760) 750-4418 or e-mail: [email protected] .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is 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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The incumbent in this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at https://www.csusm.edu/clery/annualreports.html .

Pursuant to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, as of January 1, 2022, the California State University is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University San Marcos is not a sponsoring agent for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B visas).

Advertised: Mar 05 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: