Director of State Government Relations
Atlanta
Wednesday, 03 June 2026
The Director of State Government Relations is responsible for developing and executing the University’s strategy and relationships with officials and others involved in the state legislative and executive branches. The Director reports to the Vice President for Government Relations and is a part of the Office of Government Relations, which is responsible for maintaining effective relations with federal, state and local governments. The Director works closely with the University’s senior leadership to advocate for the University’s needs. The Director monitors, evaluates and assesses the impact of pending legislation, agency regulations and other issues pertinent to the University. The Director manages constituent communications and services related to issues with state government, including encouraging and facilitating stakeholder participation on campus and at University events throughout the state. The Director provides staff support to stakeholders participating in UGA events. The Director provides staff support to senior leadership while engaging with government stakeholders. The Director works closely with UGA colleagues in federal and local relations to ensure coordination of effort and will communicate regularly with deans, vice presidents, faculty, staff and student leaders to maintain a thorough understanding of issues within the university community. The Director will assist in identifying opportunities for UGA faculty and others to make their subject-matter expertise visible and helpful to government stakeholders as appropriate. This position will be based in Atlanta, GA, with required in-state overnight travel. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Knowledge of state legislative and budget processes. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Physical Demands Travel throughout the state, including overnight, to support program needs. The position also requires frequent use of telephone and computer equipment to perform core duties. Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website. Duties/ Responsibilities Duties/ Responsibilities Represent the university during sessions of the legislature. Percentage of time 30 Duties/ Responsibilities Maintain relationships with key state officials and staff. Percentage of time 25 Duties/ Responsibilities Participate in establishing the university’s state relations priorities. Percentage of time 20 Duties/ Responsibilities Provide information as requested to state officials about the needs and priorities of the university. Percentage of time 20 Duties/ Responsibilities Develop opportunities for staff, faculty and students to support the university’s state relations program. Percentage of time 5 Contact Information Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Ben Morris Recruitment Contact Email ben.morris@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( - ). Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/ CV Cover Letter List of References with Contact Information Optional Documents Writing Sample