Job Description

Position Summary:

The Government Relations Officer (GRO) is the primary liaison between the university and federal, state, and local government entities, building and nurturing relationships with legislators and their staff to advance the institution's mission and priorities. Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance and supporting the Chancellor and Roswell and Ruidoso campus Presidents, the GRO ensures that university leadership is well-prepared to advocate effectively with the New Mexico Legislature. The GRO also monitors legislative developments, manages external governance activities, prepares official reports, and aligns government relations strategies with the institution's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison to legislators, legislative staff, and government agencies, fostering strong relationships and advocating for university priorities.


• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislation to identify opportunities, risks, and implications for the university.


• Gather and analyze data to support the Chancellor, Vice Presidents, and campus Presidents in presenting funding and policy requests.


• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and presentations to ensure leadership is well-prepared for legislative engagements.


• Represent the university at legislative sessions, hearings, governance meetings, and other events, promoting institutional initiatives and gathering critical insights.


• Facilitate external governance activities with government entities, ensuring compliance with regulations and advancing university priorities.


• Advocate for university initiatives and funding requests to legislators, agency representatives, and external stakeholders.


• Coordinate logistics, communication, and scheduling for leadership interactions with government officials.


• Collect and organize data to ensure compliance with reporting requirements and develop and submit timely, accurate reports to government agencies.


• Provide strategic advice and insights on legislative trends and political developments to guide university decision-making.


• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).


• Minimum of five years of professional experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or a related area.


• Strong understanding of the legislative processes at the federal and state levels.


• Experience working in or with public higher education institutions is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and political processes, particularly in the Federal and New Mexico Legislature.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with various constituencies and stakeholders.


• Knowledge of a public university's mission, structure, and operations.


• Ability to develop, plan, and implement both short- and long-term legislative strategies and institutional goals.


• Exceptional skills in creating, composing, and editing written materials, including reports and presentations.


• Knowledge of strategic issues and trends with current or potential impact on university operations.


• Ability to foster a cooperative and collaborative work environment.


• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.


• Demonstrated ability to represent the university’s legislative and institutional interests positively.

Physical Demand and Working Conditions:

• Primary work is performed during regular business hours; however, evening and weekend work is required during legislative and other governmental sessions.


• The role involves frequent travel, especially during legislative periods, to attend meetings, hearings, and related events.


• Work is primarily sedentary but may occasionally require lifting or moving objects up to 10 pounds.

Essential Functions:  [As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, these include the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, job knowledge, skills, and abilities, physical demands and working conditions. This is not necessarily an all-inclusive listing.]

Salary/Compensation: $100,000 - $125,000 per year

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