Careers at Lehigh

Lehigh University seeks an experienced Director of State Government Relations to manage our legislative advocacy and stakeholder relationships at state and federal levels.

Build powerful relationships across state entities while advancing Lehigh's interests in Harrisburg. You'll manage state consultant activities, cultivate partnerships with government officials, and support federal legislative initiatives through Capitol Hill advocacy. Your expertise in monitoring legislative issues will directly impact our university's ability to serve students and advance research excellence.

Position Number: S84980

This position is a Grade: 11 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $82,670-$100,570 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance Lehigh's interests with the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor’s Office and enhance the university's reputation and influence in Harrisburg.
• Establish relationships with government officials in local area offices and in Harrisburg, to support Lehigh's agenda.
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within scope, budget, and timeline by coordinating teams, managing risks and resources, ensuring stakeholder alignment, and achieving project objectives.
• Monitor and attend legislative hearings, briefings and events of interest to Lehigh.
• Identify opportunities to demonstrate to state officials the university's strengths in education and research and value to the Commonwealth.
• Collaborate with state-level higher education associations, peer institutions of higher education and university partners on shared advocacy objectives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies to advance Lehigh's federal legislative interests and enhance the University's reputation and influence in Washington.
• Assist with faculty and staff participation in selected congressional advocacy activities. Contribute to the development of congressional advocacy strategies for faculty and staff to demonstrate the university's strengths in education and research.
• Coordinate all official university engagement with state legislative offices, including campus invitations and visits, information sharing, and requests for letters of support
• Assist with government relations specific communications through active social media accounts
• Assist in managing interns and student employees

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or related area
• Three to five years of related work experience
• Experience working in a Pennsylvania legislative office at the state or federal level (General Assembly or U.S. Congress); or experience working in a Pennsylvania state administrative agency
• Knowledge and familiarity with state/federal legislative and administrative policies and issues related to higher education and university research
• Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives and expertise
• Demonstrated people/team leadership skills and desire to build culture
• Highly organized with attention to detail

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
• This position is responsible for driving University-owned vehicles as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required
• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor
• Occasional travel is required

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.