Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Grants

Thank you for your interest in employment with our institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account.Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr-employment@gbcnv.edu.Job DescriptionThe Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Grants provides leadership for the college’s government relations, public policy engagement, and strategic grant development efforts. This position advances Great Basin College’s mission by coordinating advocacy strategies, monitoring legislative developments, and identifying funding opportunities that support institutional priorities.The Director serves as a key advisor to institutional leadership on federal and state policy matters affecting higher education and works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external partners to develop competitive grant proposals. The position cultivates relationships with elected officials, government agencies, foundations, and community partners to strengthen the college’s visibility, influence, and access to external funding.The Director works closely with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and institutional leadership to coordinate legislative advocacy, pursue grant funding, and support initiatives that enhance educational access, workforce development, and community partnerships.This position reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.This is a remote position, but the employee must live in Nevada. Considerable travel is required.Qualifications:Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in public policy, public administration, political science, higher education administration, or a related field.Progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, grant development, or related external affairs work.Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state legislative legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes.Experience researching funding opportunities and developing or supporting grant proposals.Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills.Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, policymakers, and community stakeholders.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in public administration, public policy, political science, higher education administration, law, or a related field.Experience working in higher education, preferably a community college, or a complex public organization.Experience writing or coordinating federal grant proposals.Working knowledge of the Nevada State Legislature, Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), and the Nevada Electronic Legislative Information System (NELIS).Experience working with or through federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, or Department of Labor.Experience coordinating multi-partner initiatives involving educational institutions, school districts, employers, or community organizations.Key CompetenciesStrategic Leadership: Ability to align advocacy and funding strategies with institutional priorities.Policy Analysis: Ability to interpret legislative and regulatory developments affecting higher education.Grant Development: Ability to translate institutional initiatives into competitive funding proposals.Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate productive relationships with policymakers, funders, and community partners.Communication: Ability to present complex policy and funding information clearly and persuasively.Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across institutional departments and with external partners.Responsibilities:Government Relations StrategyDevelop and implement a comprehensive government relations and public affairs strategy that advances the college’s priorities at the federal, state, and local levels.Advise institutional leadership on legislative developments, emerging public policy issues, and advocacy strategies.Monitor legislation, regulatory actions, budget proposals, and policy developments affecting higher education, workforce development, and student success.Prepare policy briefs, legislative summaries, talking points and strategic communications to support institutional decision-making and advocacy.Identify opportunities to advance instituti