Job Details

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System Office

CSCU Associate Director of Government Relations

Position Number: 6580498
Location: Hartford, CT
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Details:
Posted: September 18, 2025
Level: Management / Confidential (Manager 2)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Closing Date: The committee will begin review of applications immediately. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm (EST) on Thursday, October 16, 2025

Location:
CSCU System Office
61 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06105
**This position is not remote**
For more information, please visit the campus website or www.ct.edu/hr/jobs

Connecticut State Colleges & Universities Mission:
The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) contribute to the creation of knowledge and the economic growth of the state of Connecticut by providing affordable, innovative, and rigorous programs. Our learning environments transform students and facilitate an ever-increasing number of individuals to achieve their personal and career goals.

CSCU Vision:
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities will build on its long and successful history by working collectively - within and across institutions - and by engaging external partners to increase the number of students pursuing and completing personally and professionally rewarding certificate and degree programs, improving their social mobility, and helping the state to meet its current and future workforce demands.

CSCU Equity Statement:
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities.

Anticipated Start Date: October 2025

Position Summary:
The position serves as an advocate and strategist for the CSCU System on state, federal, and local policy matters within the Office of Government Relations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs, the position is expected to support the day-to-day government relations operations of the system including active lobbying, bill tracking, research, and preparation of testimony. The position will also function as an advisor to CSCU leadership, and as a resource for senior officers at the system and institutional level on legislative and political matters, providing guidance and consultation to them to enhance the effectiveness of their respective programs.

Example of Job Duties:
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Government Relations, the Associate Director of Government Relations is responsible in supporting the day-to-day government relations operations of the system including active lobbying, bill tracking, research, and preparation of testimony through effective performance in these essential duties:

Conduct research, prepare written analyses, and develop strategies to affect and influence present and proposed public policy, legislation, and regulation impacting the CSCU System
Monitors progress of System sponsored legislation as well as other legislation that will impact the System; analyzes the impact of legislative proposals being considered by the General Assembly on the CSCU System.
Informs the CSCU President and system Presidents on current state and federal policy and legislative activities and emerging issues.
Supports the intersession policy development process, assess current and upcoming legislative priorities and opportunities and provide guidance and support regarding implementation and legislative intent of proposals.
Facilitates extensive interactions with executives, administrators, legislative staff and others. In this role, the incumbent is expected to represent the system in a positive manner, maintaining a high degree of courtesy, cooperation, and respect and to collaborate with executives and other employees to ensure legislative proposals clearly articulate the intent and desired outcomes of proposals.
Consulted regarding the administration of collective bargaining agreements and the potential impact on CSCU.
Conducts effective lobbying and governmental relations efforts with federal, state and local officials and their staffs, supporting the System's interests and long-term goals. Works with the Legislature to advocate for the inclusion of CSCU System priorities in various programs and budgets. Communicates with interior and exterior stakeholders to secure support for legislative initiatives.
Provide guidance and assistance to appropriate CSCU staff members with implementation of new or revised state law.

This posting includes qualifications, experience and skills but is not limited to the full specifications stated in the job description.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in public administration, political science or a related field together with a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in developing, coordinating, an implementing effective government relations programs required

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:

Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations and legislation and to apply them to and determine their effect on higher education.
Demonstrated ability to advise policymakers on the effects of regulation and legislation and to guide their policymaking efforts
Demonstrated ability to affect legislators and government officials in a persuasive and convincing manner to take actions favorable to the CSCU System.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in a collegial environment
Comprehensive understanding of the structures, policies, and practices of the Connecticut General Assembly with an ability to quickly build relationships with key legislators and staff will be essential to a successful candidate.

Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Starting Salary:
Minimum Salary; $100,000 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits. The salary will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications such as education and job-related experience, and internal equity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous leave policies; several retirement plans; and many choices for comprehensive health insurance. You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with supplemental benefits. Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable.

Application Instructions:
To apply you must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter may be entered as text in the corresponding box, or it can be uploaded as a combined file with the resume.

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the closing date will not be considered and links to other sources to view resumes are not acceptable.

For more information or to apply via our website at www.ct.edu/hr/jobs

Selection Procedure:
Following the closing date, application materials will be evaluated by a selection committee. Candidates selected for further consideration will be limited to those applicants who are best qualified based on the minimum and preferred qualifications and who have submitted all the required documents by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Candidates who have been selected and approved to interview will be contacted, and finalists will be recommended for further consideration by the Hiring Manager for final selection and recommendation for employment. The selection process may also include practical exercises (i.e., teaching demonstration and/or other written, technical, manipulative, or simulation exercises) to evaluate candidates' qualifications.

Background Screening:
All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check, including granting permission to contact current and previous employers for verification. CSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination
CSCU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, please contact CSCU-SO-Compliance@ct.edu.

CSCU IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F