Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations

The Senior Vice President (SVP) for Governmental Relations serves as the chief strategist and primary liaison between UT San Antonio and local, state, and federal government entities. UT San Antonio is unique in Texas public higer education circles: a very large comprehensive research university comprised of a very large general academic institution combined with a very large health related institution with a large health system.The SVP for Governmental Relations is the overseer of all governmental relations intelligence coming into our institution and responsible for developing, directing, and executing a comprehensive governmental relations and advocacy strategy that advances the institution’s academic, research, health, and community missions. The SVP leads efforts to secure legislative and regulatory support, enhance the institution’s visibility and credibility with policymakers, and shape public policy in ways that strengthen UT San Antonio’s long-term priorities. Serves as the chief integrator of relevant information collected at the local, state and federal level.  Leads as an architect for engagement with San Antonio City Council, Bexar County Commissioner’s Court, the State Legislature and State Executive Branch, and Congress. Close coordinator and partner with the SEVP for Research and Innovation and our Federal Relations Consultant on congressional and federal agency engagement. Principal architect of and advocate for strategy and initiatives from the institution that require advocacy going out to components of external engagement. Working closely with the President, President’s Cabinet, System leadership, and internal stakeholders, the SVP ensures coordination across the university to align advocacy initiatives with institutional goals. This role requires exceptional judgment, political acumen, strategic communication, and the ability to represent UT San Antonio with influence, diplomacy, and integrity at the highest levels of public engagement.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive governmental relations strategy aligned with UT San Antonio’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, prepare impact analyses, and advise executive leadership on emerging opportunities and risks.  
• Build, sustain, and strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, agency leaders, and public sector stakeholders. 
• Represent the institution at legislative hearings, public forums, and governmental meetings.  
• Serve as the university’s primary point of contact for governmental inquiries and engagement.  
• Collaborate with internal leaders to identify policy issues affecting the institution and develop actionable advocacy positions.  
• Conduct analysis of legislation and regulations; prepare policy briefs, impact assessments, and recommendations.  
• Draft position papers, testimony, legislative proposals, and official correspondence articulating the institution’s positions.  
• Partner with university leaders, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment of advocacy efforts across the institution. 
• Educate internal stakeholders about government relations initiatives, policy implications, and advocacy strategies. 
• Develop communication materials to articulate institutional priorities to policymakers, community leaders, and external audiences.  
• Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements, ethics rules, and governmental reporting obligations.  
• Maintain comprehensive records of governmental relations activities and interactions.  
• Provide regular briefings to the President, Cabinet, and governing bodies on advocacy activities and outcomes; prepare annual reports summarizing efforts and achievements.  
• Provide executive leadership to the Governmental Relations office, overseeing budgeting, staff development, and operational planning. Coordinate with UT System counterparts and institutional leadership to maintain consistent messaging and advocacy positions.  
  Serve as a senior advisor to the President on governmental, political, and public policy matters.  
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of governmental relations professionals who engage and liaise with local, regional, state, and national political leaders, elected officials, and key influencers to advance UT San Antonio’s strategic initiatives and institutional priorities.  

• Master's degree Public Administration (MP), Public Policy (MPP), Law (JD), Political Science, Higher Education Leadership, or related discipline preferred.
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with members of the the UT San Antonio President’s Cabinet as a high functioning team member.
• Deep knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, appropriations cycles, and regulatory frameworks.  
• Strong understanding of public higher education dynamics, funding models, academic and research issues, and community impact.
• Has particular expertise at the state level in shaping opportunities to strategically benefit the institution, UTS, and the State of Texas.  
• Exceptional political judgment, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.  
• Ability to interpret and analyze legislation, regulations, and public policy issues. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive messaging, policy briefs, testimonies, and executive updates.  
• Strategic planning and systems-level thinking with the ability to align advocacy efforts across a large institutional enterprise.  
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion, maintain confidentiality, and navigate politically complex situations.  
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and team-building capabilities.  
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  
• Ability to represent UT San Antonio with professionalism, credibility, and confidence in high-visibility settings.