Careers at Yeshiva University
Position Summary: The Director of Government Relations is responsible for leading and coordinating the University's government relations strategy across city, state and federal levels. The Director will build and maintain strong, productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, community leaders and external advisors in order to advance the University's mission, priorities, funding opportunities, regulatory interests and public profile.
This role serves as the University's primary point of coordination for
government relations matters, ensuring that the University is appropriately
positioned to align with government initiatives, respond to policy
developments, pursue public-sector opportunities and represent its interests
effectively before government stakeholders.
Position Responsibilities:
Develop, implement and continuously refine a comprehensive government
relations strategy that supports the University's short- and long-term
institutional goals.
Establish, maintain and deepen relationships with key city, state and
federal elected officials, government agencies, legislative staff,
regulators and relevant public-sector partners.
Position the University to align with government priorities, initiatives,
programs and opportunities, including funding, policy, workforce
development, student support, campus safety, community engagement and
higher education initiatives.
Serve as the central liaison and internal coordinator for government
relations matters, working closely with the Senior Vice President of
Operations and General Counsel, the President's Office, academic
leadership and administrative units.
Oversee and coordinate the University's relationships with its city, state
and federal lobbyists, including setting priorities, monitoring
performance, facilitating information flow and ensuring accountability for
outcomes.
Track and analyze legislative, regulatory and policy developments that may
affect the University, its affiliated schools, students, programs,
operations, funding or compliance obligations.
Advise senior leadership on government relations risks, opportunities,
legislative strategy, policy positioning and appropriate engagement with
public officials and agencies.
Identify, pursue and cultivate legislative allies and public- and private-
sector partners who can support University priorities, funding needs and
strategic initiatives.
Source, evaluate and help pursue government funding, grant and
appropriation opportunities, coordinating with relevant departments to
support applications, submissions, compliance requirements and follow-up.
Plan, coordinate and support meetings, briefings, site visits and campus
visits with government officials, agency representatives and legislative
staff, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials and follow-up
action items.
Represent the University at government, civic, community and political
events, meetings, hearings and public forums, as appropriate and in
coordination with University leadership.
Assist the University's affiliated schools, programs and students with
government relations needs and opportunities, including introductions,
advocacy support, public-sector partnerships and issue escalation when
appropriate.
Develop concise briefing materials, talking points, policy summaries,
reports, correspondence and presentations for University leaders and
external stakeholders.
Coordinate institutional responses to government inquiries and requests,
ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely follow-through in collaboration
with appropriate internal offices.
Maintain appropriate records of government contacts, priorities, meetings,
commitments, deliverables and follow-up items.
Promote a proactive, professional and mission-aligned approach to
government relations that reflects the University's values and strengthens
its reputation with public officials and agencies.
Responsible for maintaining and filing all necessary, regulatory documents
and lobbying reports.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Senior Vice
President of Operations and General Counsel.
Experience & Education Background:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in law, public policy, public
administration, political science, government, higher education
administration or a related field preferred.
Minimum of five years of experience in government relations, public
affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, higher education
administration, government service or a related field.
Demonstrated experience working with city, state and/or federal government
officials, agencies, legislative offices, lobbyists or public-sector
stakeholders.
Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory and budget processes,
including the ability to track, interpret and assess policy developments
affecting higher education and nonprofit institutions.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans, managing external
relationships and advising senior leaders on complex public-policy or
government relations matters.
Excellent judgment, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive
institutional, political or policy matters.
Skills & Competencies:
Strategic, proactive and highly organized, with the ability to manage
multiple priorities and move initiatives from concept to execution.
Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills,
including the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and
external constituencies.
Strong writing, research, analytical and presentation skills, with the
ability to translate complex policy issues into clear recommendations and
action steps.
Political acumen and sound judgment, including the ability to understand
stakeholder interests, institutional priorities and reputational
considerations.
Ability to convene stakeholders, build consensus, coordinate across
departments and follow through on commitments.
Knowledge of bill tracking systems, legislative history research, public
funding processes and government affairs best practices.
Demonstrated understanding of the University's mission, values, programs
and institutional priorities, or the ability to quickly develop such
understanding.
Willingness and ability to attend events and meetings outside standard
business hours and to travel locally, regionally or to government centers
as needed.
Salary Range: $150,000-$185,000
About Us: Yeshiva University is dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual exploration, and the advancement of timeless values that shape and impact lives. With a rich tradition rooted in Jewish thought and heritage, YU fosters a dynamic learning environment across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society, guided by a commitment to ethics, innovation, and service. Our community extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing thousands of students, faculty, staff, and more than 70,000 alumni and supporters worldwide, all working together to build a brighter future.
As a Yeshiva University employee, you will be part of a welcoming, diverse,
and intellectually engaging community that values collaboration, excellence,
and professional growth. We offer a supportive and stimulating workplace with
tangible employee benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a strong sense
of purpose. Beyond professional development, YU is committed to ensuring a
high quality of life for its employees, offering a work environment that
prioritizes well-being, work-life balance, and a culture of mutual respect.
Every role at YU contributes to our broader mission of education, research,
and societal impact, ensuring that all members of our community—students,
faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—are inspired to make a difference. We
invite you to bring your talent and passion to YU and join us in shaping the
future.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
