LOA Salaried

Nevada State University appreciates your interest in employment. To ensure your application process runs smoothly, we ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
• The required documents are listed below on the posting. Your application may not be considered if you do not attach the required documents.
• Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account. Completed applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.
• Please note, recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (702) 992-2320 or apply@nevadastate.edu.

Job Description
Nevada State University invites applications for the position of LOA Salaried
- Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs. The Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs serves as a senior member of the Office of the President and provides strategic leadership for the university's relations, public affairs, strategic communications, and community engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working closely with the President and Executive Leadership Team, the Senior Director advances institutional priorities through legislative advocacy, public policy, executive communications, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the university's visibility, reputation, and impact. The position serves as the university's primary liaison with local, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, and external stakeholders, representing the university on matters related to legislative affairs, public policy, and institutional advocacy. Responsibilities include developing and implementing government relations strategies, monitoring and analyzing legislation and public policy, coordinating institutional advocacy efforts, preparing policy analyses and executive briefing materials, supporting Board of Regents presentations, and collaborating with university leadership to advance initiatives that support the university's mission and strategic priorities. This position is the full-time representative in Carson City during the legislative session. The Senior Director also provides strategic leadership for presidential public affairs and communications initiatives, overseeing external messaging from the Office of the President, serving as a university spokesperson as appropriate, supervising communications personnel, and ensuring communications align with presidential priorities and institutional objectives. In addition, the position cultivates strategic partnerships with community organizations, business leaders, and governmental entities, coordinates dignitary engagement and executive outreach, and leads special projects and cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the President and Chief of Staff. The position exercises a high degree of independent judgment, political acumen, and discretion in representing the university, advising executive leadership on governmental and public affairs matters, and advancing initiatives that enhance Nevada State University's influence, reputation, and service to the State of Nevada. About the institution: Nevada State University, a four-year Minority Serving public institution with a statewide mission, is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning and committed to the advancement of a diverse and largely underserved student population. Designated a Hispanic Serving (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), Nevada State is a university where teaching and student support are valued above all else. Nevada State University continues to grow as an institution of higher education. In Fall 2025, the enrollment surpassed 8,400, with 8,287 undergraduate students and 117 graduate students. A majority of our students are first generation, racial/ethnic minorities, parents, and/or returning students, of which 48% are Hispanic, 10% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 10% are Black/African American, and 22% are White. We celebrate the storied backgrounds of our campus community. We operate with a shared commitment to represent and serve the diverse population of Nevada and to encourage the exchange of ideas that respects and honors the lived experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We foster a culture of inclusive excellence so our members can live authentically, fully engage, and flourish. In order to strengthen the university and progress its mission, the university dedicates itself to intentional and ongoing reflection to meeting the evolving needs of Nevada State University, the surrounding communities, and the State of Nevada. We seek applicants who are passionate about working with this promising student population and collaborating with faculty and staff across departments to make a lasting impact in developing our institution and our community. We encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education. Core Responsibilities Government Relations and Policy
• Following the vision and direction of the President and reporting to the Chief of Staff, work directly executive team and University leadership on advocacy, explanation of stated objectives, and policy coordination, while representing the University at legislative hearings, the biennial session, municipal meetings. Coordinate with and supports Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) goals, representing the University on behalf of the President, as needed. Responsible for legislator and lobbyist relations, policy analysis, grant identification, coalition building, statute research, bill tracking and legislative testimony.
• Establish, maintain, and support relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, representatives, and others government entities. Make recommendations for the University’s advocacy and strong governmental relationships.
• Gather information and prepare reports and presentations. Prepare position papers and other tools for decision making on governmental affairs and policy. Support presentations for the NSHE Board of Regents as necessary.
• Co-lead earmark process, in collaboration with the Provost and other Executive Team members, with the direction of the President.
• Coordinates dignitary relationships, visits, and initiatives as needed Strategic Communications
• Following the vision and direction of the President, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, implement strategies to position and improve the image of the university to key constituencies and the public. Guide, create and develop media and communications strategies and content from the Office of the President.
• Support the Senior Communications Officer and provide direction on internal and external communications.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the University and provide information to media outlets about events, programs, policies, and advocacy efforts when appropriate. Community Relations and Outreach
• Broad-based communication and coordination, cultivating state-wide relationships, building advocacy networks, communicating needs to internal and external partners.
• Support University partnerships, developing new relationships, collaborating with local organizations and agencies that advance the University’s goals. Supervision and Operations
• Supervise Senior Communications Officer and provide necessary support and guidance. Streamline administrative collaboration, processes, and workflows to maximize efficiency. Student, faculty, and Staff Support in Planning and Implementation of Events
• Work with events team to coordinate events on campus or at the Legislature to foster relationships with elected officials and other relevant community partners to raise the profile of the University. Minimum

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Related Field such as Political Science, Communication, History, Liberal Arts
• 7 years of related or comparable professional experience
• 5 years of related or comparable supervisory experience
• 3 years of related or comparable managerial experience – Upper-level administration
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship (Nevada State does not sponsor employment-related visas). Please note: Applicants must meet the posted minimum qualifications at the time of application in order to be considered for the position. Preferred

Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree Work Hours: 40 hours per week. LOA Salaried Appointment ending on June 30, 2027 (End of Fiscal Year 27). Possible Extension. Monthly Rate: $11,666.67 per month. Special Instructions for Internal NSHE Applicants Nevada State University employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE, UNLV, UNR, NSU, CSN, TMCC, WNC, GBC, or DRI) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at Nevada State and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application. Exempt Yes Full-Time Equivalent 100.0% Required Attachment(s) Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment(s) viewable to you will be the attachment(s) to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment(s) to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment(s) will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at apply@nevadastate.edu. Please upload the following documents:
• Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
• Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and Nevada State University;
• Names and contact information of three references (you will be notified before references are contacted). Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered. Posting Close Date Note to Applicant Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. Nevada State University does not currently sponsor Visas, all applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. Nevada State University