Job Details

University of Colorado System Administration

Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy

Position Number: 6529077
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy

Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy - 37647 University Staff

Description
Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.
Position Summary:
The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy is a member of the Office of Government Relations State Relations team and is a lobbyist for the University at the state capitol. As directed by the Senior Associate Vice President for State Relations (SAVP) the position lobbies on state policy issues of impact and is the lead on higher education policy issues for the CU System and campuses. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy works with the SVP and SAVP of State Relations to develop and execute the annual legislative agenda for the university. This position develops and maintains strategic relationships with executive and legislative branch policymakers, lobbyists and other advocates. It also develops and maintains strong relationships with leadership and other members of the university community.

The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy is tasked with being the main state relations point of contact for two of the CU campuses. In this capacity, the Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy develops, coordinates, and maintains necessary relationships on the on campuses as well as develops strategy to assist in attaining the University's legislative goals. Areas of policy expertise include a key focus on academic affairs; admissions, enrollment policy; research funding; Title IX; teacher preparation; cyber security; and others as assigned. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy assists with leading the bi-weekly legislative strategy meetings and leadership conference calls during the legislative session and participates in year-round meetings with campus stakeholders and leadership on campus engagement efforts. The Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy will also work in tandem and coordination with the additional Senior Advisor for State Relations and Public Policy on staff who will represent CU's other two campuses and lobby at the capitol.

This position reports to the SAVP of State Relations and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified System.
Where You Will Work:
Applicants must be Colorado residents or willing to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in office.
Equal Opportunity Statement:CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Duties & Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Lobbying at the state capitol on a day-to-day basis during the legislative session;
Lead lobbyist for higher education issues and lobbies additional legislation of impact to the university and assigned campuses under the direction of the SAVP;
State relations engagement lead for two of the CU campuses, with additional campus duties as assigned;
As campus lead, develops strategic policy initiatives, including strategy, legislation and promotion of university efforts as well as opportunities for campus engagement with elected officials;
Meets regularly with assigned campuses to develop strategy, understand campus needs and advise campus on legislative matters;
Initiates and attends internal tours with constituency groups for legislative cultivation;
Maintains relationships with state elected officials, executive and legislative staff, lobbyists, and related business, nonprofit and association individuals;
As directed by the SVP and SAVP, represents OGR State Relations team at system and campus meetings including with System leadership, Chancellor's cabinet, strategic Dean and Director and meetings with individual leaders;
Develops legislative fact sheets, draft legislation, internal and external reports, letters and communications to elected officials;
Reviews and conducts research on proposed and introduced legislation and determines impact to the university;
Assists the SAVP of State Relations and works with the Director of State Relations to facilitate bill tracking and bill distribution for CU System and campuses during legislative session;
Advises key faculty members, staff and students across the CU system and campuses on key government relations policy initiatives and opportunities for engagement;
As needed, coordinates with CU System AVP of Engagement and campus outreach personnel on statewide outreach efforts that advance state legislative priorities and relationship cultivation;
Represents state team on outreach tours with university officials; events; meetings; and conferences at the request of the SAVP of State Relations;
Works with system and campus external affairs and communication officials to develop strategy and messaging around state legislation;
Performs other duties as assigned.

What We Offer:
Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $165,000-$180,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
Five (5) years' professional experience working in areas related to higher education and state government
One (1) year of experience in a team lead, policy lead or supervisory role, which may include assigning and reviewing the work of others, providing guidance to internal and external team members, and/or assisting management with performance reviews
Travel and schedule requirements (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Seven (7) years' professional experience, as stated above
Two (2) years' experience in a team lead or supervisory role, as indicated above
Certifications (if applicable)
Lobbying experience at the Colorado State Legislature
Mediation experience
Experience in developing or assessing higher education policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:

Knowledge of the business and organizational structure of CU;
Knowledge of policy development processes and activities, including agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation;
Knowledge of governmental institutions, structures, systems, and processes;
Negotiation skills, including the ability to listen, build rapport, solve problems, make decisions, be assertive, and deal with difficult situations;
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly;
Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn and experiment with new software and systems;
Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate and facilitate meetings, and make decisions;
Research skills, including the ability to utilize a variety of tools to ask questions, gather information, and review, analyze, and interpret data;
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine and summarize data and trends in order to resolve issues and produce results;
Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects;
Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential material;
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple concurrent and competing tasks and responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness;
Ability to follow and uphold ethical guidelines, standards, and integrity and adhere to core character values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship;
Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies;
Ability to promote the advancement of the University of Colorado and Colorado higher education and academic research;
Ability to navigate a complex political environment.
Interest in advancing the University of Colorado and Colorado higher education
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills

How to Apply:
For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.
When to Apply:For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by end of day September 8th. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*Sponsorship Statement:We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.Background Check Statement:The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial history, motor vehicle history and/or fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.ADA Statement:We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: External Relations

Primary Location: Denver Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50050 - Government Relations

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Sep 2, 2025

Unposting Date: Sep 9, 2025, 5:59:00 AM Posting Contact Name: systemhr.recruiting@cu.edu Posting Contact Email: systemhr.recruiting@cu.edu Position Number: 00801945

To apply, visit https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=37647&lang=en