Job Summary:

Texas Christian University (TCU) seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of Government Relations. This pivotal role will establish and lead TCU’s new Office of Government Relations, a key initiative within the university’s LEAD ON: Values in Action Strategic Plan. The Executive Director will lead, develop, and execute the university's federal, state, and local government strategy in collaboration with the Chief University Strategy and Innovation Officer, senior university leadership, consultants, and staff. The Executive Director will be responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with federal, state, and local government entities and officials, advocating for the university’s interests, and shaping public policies that advance TCU’s mission and goals. This position reports to TCU’s Chief University Strategy and Innovation Officer.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Establishes and builds the Office of Government Relations to align with TCU’s strategic priorities and values. Builds, leads and grows a strong, effective team capable of building robust government relationships while collaborating closely with TCU affiliated officers, faculty, staff, administration, and other stakeholders.
2. Develops and executes a comprehensive government relations strategy that positions TCU as a leader in higher education policy and advocacy to support student-centered growth, research and scholarly activity, athletics, and community engagement.
3. Represents TCU’s interests to elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders at the local, state,
and federal levels.
4. Builds and maintains effective relationships with policymakers, governmental organizations, higher education advocacy groups, consultants, and lobbyists ensuring consistent and transparent communication.
5. Advocates for policies and initiatives that enhance the broad mission of higher education and the specific mission of TCU.
6. Monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education.
7. Provides expert counsel, reports, and updates to TCU leadership on governmental issues, legislative trends, and potential impacts to the university.
8. Collaborates with university leadership, faculty, and staff to identify and address legislative or regulatory challenges and opportunities.
9. Develops informational materials and policy briefs to effectively communicate TCU’s positions and priorities.
10. Builds and manages relationships with external consultants working on behalf of TCU, including developing expectations, reporting structure and ensuring appropriate representation of the university.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or related roles, preferably within higher education or nonprofit organizations.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Graduate or professional degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in government relations, issue, policy, and research advocacy, in a higher education context, is preferred.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management systems.
• Skill in strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in leading complicated initiatives and seek input and buy-in from various stakeholders.
• Skill in developing and executing government relations strategies and building effective relationships with policymakers.
• Ability to analyze, understand, and communicate complex legislative and policy issues and to balance multiple complex projects successfully.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to TCU’s values of Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence.
• Ability to prioritize efforts and make judgements based on need, feasibility and relation to TCU strategic priorities.
• Ability to represent TCU in a myriad of settings, including at local, state and national political arenas, national and state trade groups, among community leaders and organizations, as well as among internal audiences and stakeholders.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

About Texas Christian University

TCU is all about the experience. This is a place where students learn how to adapt to whatever the future might bring, develop critical thinking skills and expand their creativity. With a choice of rigorous academic programs in 130 undergraduate areas of study, 61 master’s level programs and 24 areas of doctoral study, Horned Frogs have opportunities to search for meaning and examine values, yet graduate well-prepared for professional accomplishment. Whether in the fine arts or business or engineering, Horned Frogs can develop their full creative potential here. For example, both MBA and undergraduate students at the Neeley School of Business benefit from an experience ranked at the top by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report — not in spite of, but because of, the focus on the individual. At TCU, professors love being in the classroom. These mentoring teacher-scholars also conduct well-published, leading-edge research, often with undergraduates at their sides. Horned Frogs live, learn and play 24-7 in a 277-acre setting in a vibrant city. They work out in state-of-the-art recreation facilities, catch Big 12 NCAA athletic competition and participate in 200+ organizati...ons, all without leaving the campus. That’s when they’re not providing thousands of hours of volunteer service to their community, interning in New York or LA, practicing journalism in Washington, D.C., experiencing international business in China or perfecting Spanish in Seville. It’s how Horned Frogs are learning to change the world.

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