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Position Information

Posting NumberSRGV8757

Working TitleSENIOR DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Number of Vacancies1

LocationBrownsville, Texas

DepartmentOffice of the VP for Governmental and Community Relations

FTE1

FLSAExempt

Scope of Job

Oversees the planning and execution of assigned comprehensive and proactive government affairs strategy that advances the University and the UTRGV Health Affairs mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected and appointed officials, and is responsible for assisting with the planning, management, and oversight of the activities and operations of the Division of Governmental and Community Relations ( OGCR ). The scope of such work includes serving as a liaison to outside entities and all levels of government and representing the University to boards, commissions, the State and Federal Government and other authorities.

Description of Duties

+ Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including Colleges, state and national associations, student organizations and government relations staff from other agencies and industry.

+ Serves as a point of contact for elected officials’ constituent issues related to UTRGV particularly in Cameron County.

+ Identifies and tracks federal and state legislation and city and county actions that are relevant to the university and works with staff and leadership to analyze potential impact on the university.

+ Partners with the Office of Workforce and Economic Development and the Office of Community Engagement to support existing community and regional economic development programs in coordination with applicable stakeholders to expand and sustain existing academic, workforce, research, and health-related projects.

+ Represents Divisional programs in regional planning efforts, boards, and task forces related to government, community and economic development that support equitable service expansion opportunities.

+ Pursues opportunities to serve on relevant external boards and committees to further the university’s engagement in the community to benefit UTRGV .

+ Engages with community partner organizations to identify opportunities to scale and extend existing University programs and services to increase access and regional impact within assigned areas.

+ Coordinates meetings with federal and state legislators, agencies, county commissioners, city officials, economic development offices and others relating to federal/national, state, city and county matters impacting university. The scope of this work may include contact with government offices in Mexico.

+ Proposes to leadership potential partnership opportunities with local cities and counties and impact on the university/medical school.

+ Reviews possible funding mechanisms available to the university, including assistance to faculty by identifying funding opportunities and securing legislative support for such opportunities.

+ Works with stakeholders to strategize on the type of internships that should be implemented, locating funding for such internships and establishing parameters for such internships at state and local level.

+ Assists with implementation of internship programs administered by OGCR , including the recruitment, review of applications, interview, and selection of students for the programs.

+ Provides expert advice during the training, placement, and supervision of the interns, and acts as a liaison to academic departments as needed to assure successful completion of government internships.

+ Assists with planning, organizing, and executing events as needed.

+ Coordinates with UT System’s Office of Governmental Relations and Office of Federal Relations.

+ Assists in preparation of reports for submission to UT System and UTRGV leadership.

+ Serves on special committees, projects, and task forces as assigned.

+ Based on area of assignment, this position may be based in Cameron County and a special emphasis will be developing and expanding on relationships and opportunities in Cameron County as it relates to governmental relations, community relations and economic development.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree from an accredited University.

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Required Experience

Six (6) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations or closely related field, such as public relations, communications and policy development.

Preferred Experience

Experience obtained in Higher Education.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office Environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other

Exceptional planning and organizational skills.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment CategoryFull-Time

Minimum SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Posted SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Position Available Date01/20/2026

Grant Funded PositionNo

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth

Social Security Number

Gender

Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or [email protected].

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Regulatory Affairs.

Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/50023

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

+ Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?

+ Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions

+ Are you a current UTRGV employee?

+ Yes

+ No

+ Please select your highest level of completed education.

+ 6th grade education

+ 10th grade education

+ High School Diploma or GED

+ Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours

+ Bachelors Degree from an accredited university

+ Masters Degree from an accredited university

+ Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university

+ None of the above

+ Please provide the field of study for your education:

(Open Ended Question)

+ Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?

+ Yes

+ No

+ Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year

+ 2 years

+ 3 years

+ 4 years

+ 5 years

+ 6 years

+ 7 years

+ 8 years

+ 9 years

+ 10 years

+ Over 10 years

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

Optional Documents

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Unofficial Transcripts

+ Reference Letter 1

+ Reference Letter 2

+ Reference Letter 3

+ Other Document

+ Unofficial Transcripts 2

+ Unofficial Transcripts 3

+ Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

+ Additional Document