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Administration/Managerment

Assistant Vice President Community Benefit & Government Affairs

Western University of Health Sciences · United States
Deadline
Jul 01, 2027
Closing in 255 days
Location
N/A
United States
Employment
None
Full time
Reference
N/A
Posted Sep 09, 2026
Offered salary$170,000

About the role

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About WesternU

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture.

At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.

Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference.

Posting Details

Position Title Assistant Vice President Community Benefit & Government Affairs

Position Control Number 999514 Type of Position Administration Position Status Full-time Department 5550 Community & Governmental Affairs Campus Western University Campus-Pomona, CA Position Location California Job Summary Under the direction of the Office of the President, the Assistant Vice President for Community Benefit & Government Affairs (AVP) will advance Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) priorities through strategy development and implementation (e.g., partnership development, community benefit program), including ensuring the strategies are aligned with Western U's commitment to improving the health of our community.

As part of Western U's commitment, we provide direct health care services to some of our community's most vulnerable members, and we partner with government and local –based organizations to support programs that improve the health of our community. We find strength in our community partnerships, which better equips us to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. The AVP will implement an exceptional community benefit program to all of the communities we touch. The AVP will have strong leadership, policy, and systems change skills to effectively lead community-based partnership coordination as part of our larger community engagement efforts. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities. Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities are as follows:

Knowledge of:

  • Community engagement practices, community benefit frameworks, and population health strategies, including social determinants of health and health equity principles.
  • Government relations processes, including legislative and regulatory environments at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Higher education and academic health system environments, including mission alignment and stakeholder engagement dynamics.
  • Public-private partnerships, philanthropy, and external funding mechanisms, including grants and government contracts.
  • Cross-sector collaboration models involving nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, government entities, and community-based partners.
  • Strategic planning methodologies, program evaluation techniques, and impact measurement frameworks.

    • Skills:

  • Exceptional strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate institutional priorities into measurable external initiatives.
  • Advanced relationship management and partnership development skills, with demonstrated success engaging diverse stakeholders and building trust across sectors.
  • Strong communication skills, including executive-level writing, public speaking, and the ability to tailor messaging to varied audiences (community, policymakers, board members, etc.).
  • Skilled in policy analysis and advocacy, including synthesizing complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
  • Financial and resource development acumen, including identifying, securing, and stewarding funding opportunities.
  • Advanced leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex systems and identify leverage points for change.
  • Proficiency in project and program management, including managing multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously.

    • Ability to:

  • Operate effectively at an executive level, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen in complex and sensitive environments.
  • Build and sustain high-impact partnerships across diverse constituencies, including community leaders, elected officials, and institutional stakeholders.
  • Navigate and influence complex policy and regulatory landscapes to advance organizational priorities.
  • Lead systems-level change initiatives that improve community outcomes and advance institutional mission.
  • Represent the University with credibility and professionalism in public forums, governmental settings, and community engagements.
  • Manage competing priorities and adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Interpret data, trends, and community needs to inform decision-making and strategy development.
  • Foster an inclusive and collaborative environment, working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

    • Required Qualifications Education:

  • Master's degree in human development, psychology, public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.

    • Preferred Qualifications Experience or Training:

  • Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in community engagement, government affairs, public affairs, nonprofit management, healthcare, higher education, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing multi-faceted external affairs or community impact strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Proven experience building, managing, and sustaining cross-sector partnerships (e.g., nonprofit, public sector, healthcare systems, philanthropy).
  • Experience overseeing or collaborating with government relations functions, including policy strategy, legislative engagement, or contract development at the local, state, or federal level.
  • Demonstrated ability to secure, manage, or influence funding streams, including grants, public-sector funding, or philanthropic investments.
  • Experience leading complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders, with evidence of measurable community or organizational impact.
  • Strong track record of advising senior leadership and contributing to institutional strategy, with experience presenting to executive leadership or governing boards.

    • Essential Job Duties

    Key Responsibilities Community Benefit Strategy & Program Leadership:

  • In collaboration with the Office of the President, implement a multi- state, broad-reaching community benefit program aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Develop, strengthen, and oversee internal processes that support the effectiveness and scalability of the community benefit program.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of the annual community benefit report.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on systems-level approaches that address social determinants of health and advance health equity.
  • Conduct due diligence, including site visits, for prospective and active community benefit initiatives.

    • Key Responsibilities Community Partnerships & Engagement:

  • Actively engage with community stakeholders across regions to advance partnerships with nonprofit organizations, human services agencies, public sector institutions, and funders.
  • Build and sustain relationships with community partners to understand challenges, identify opportunities, and enhance collaboration.
  • Lead ongoing public awareness efforts by organizing and managing communications that highlight program initiatives and partners.

    • Key Responsibilities Government Relations & Public Affairs:

  • Oversee external government relations consultants to coordinate legislative strategy and relationships at local, state, and federal levels (including California and Oregon).
  • Ensure monitoring and analysis of legislative and policy developments impacting the University.
  • Represent the University on boards, associations, and committees; delegate representation as appropriate.
  • Develop public-private partnership models that support institutional strategic goals, including securing public-sector contracts and funding.
  • Communicate government affairs strategies and outcomes to senior leadership and, as requested, the Board of Trustees.

    • Key Responsibilities Resource Development & Organizational Support:

  • Partner with the University Advancement to identify, cultivate, and secure funding for the community benefit program and future grantmaking initiatives.
  • Manage and grow relationships with local and national funders to support long-term program sustainability.
  • Support cross-functional collaboration across University departments to advance external engagement goals.
  • Perform additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.
  • Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for assigned staff, including setting priorities, monitoring outcomes, and supporting professional development.

    • Posting Details Continued

    Work Schedule This position works Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM with some nights and weekends.

    Working at WesternU

    We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

    We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,

    • Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.

    • Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.

    • Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.

    • As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.

    • WesternU's core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.

    • We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

    Expected Pay Scale

    Minimum $170,000.00 Annually

    Maximum $175,000.00 Annually

    Physical Demands

    Physical Demands

    Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes

    If yes, list maximum weight and duration The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Describe Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a typical office setting. The noise level in this setting is typically low to moderate.

    Posting Information

    Posting Number A01029

    Posting Date 07/01/2026 Close Date 07/01/2027 Open Until Filled Yes

    Conditions of Employment - Background Check

    To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non- completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position.

    Pay Transparency Act

    Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.

    Equal Opportunity Statement (EEO)

    It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time.

    Applicant Documents

    Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

    • Optional Documents

  • Letter of Recommendation #1
  • Letter of Recommendation #2
  • Letter of Recommendation #3
  • Additional Applicant Document
  • Required License/Certification
    • Supplemental Questions

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().

  • How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Please provide the name of the website, individual, or organization.

    • (Open Ended Question)

    How to apply

    Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.

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