Vice Chancellor – Government Relations

University System of Maryland

. Serve as the primary advisor to the Chancellor and Board of Regents on government relations, engagement, and advocacy strategy .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeAnnapolis • Maryland • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $280,000 - $320,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in government relations and advocacy strategy, particularly within the context of higher education. Proven ability to engage with policymakers and stakeholders while shaping legislative agendas and monitoring regulatory developments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Government Relations StrategyLegislative Agenda ManagementHigher Education Policy ExpertiseStakeholder EngagementPolitical Acumen

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legislative AnalysisPolicy Proposal DevelopmentFunding Opportunity IdentificationRegulatory MonitoringTestimony Coordination

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsDecision-Making SkillsInfluencing SkillsJudgment

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

Industry Keywords

Maryland Legislative ProcessesFederal Government RelationsHigher Education AdvocacyState Relations StrategyUSM Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary advisor to the Chancellor and Board of Regents on government relations, engagement, and advocacy strategy
Oversee State and Federal relations across the System
Coordinate development of government relations priorities and advocacy efforts
Engage proactively with policymakers, agency leadership, and other stakeholders
Advise on legislative issues, policy proposals, funding opportunities, legislation, and policy affecting the System
Develop and spearhead the USM state relations strategy
Formulate and advance a legislative agenda
Monitor local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments
Provide updates, advice, and recommendations to the Chancellor, Board of Regents, USMO staff, and stakeholders
Coordinate testimony, fiscal notes, and messaging
Shape state higher education policy through consultation with legislators and the Governor’s advisors
Engage with the Governor, Maryland General Assembly, Maryland Congressional delegation, government agencies, local officials, and higher education associations
Foster relationships with state officials and advocate for education, research, and initiatives supporting the USM
Chair the USM State Relations Council and coordinate its activities
Strengthen Federal government relations strategy
Convene USM Federal institutional representatives
Serve on the Chancellor’s senior leadership team and advise on broader System matters

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization
Demonstrated success working within or with Maryland legislative and Federal Government processes
Demonstrated success working with issues in State and Federal Higher Education
Ability to provide USM leadership with information, analysis, and comment on higher education matters
Ability to create alignment across a complex, decentralized System comprised of diverse institutions
Ability to effectively influence and persuade government, community, and other stakeholders to align with System goals and mission
Good judgement and political acumen
Ability to work well across political and social boundaries
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially as they relate to legislative strategy
Preferred: experience managing a legislative agenda, higher education policy, budget advocacy, and labor relations
Preferred: experience working with Maryland legislators, the executive branch, their staff, and Federal relations
Preferred: experience working for or with the USM

Benefits

Comp & perks

22 days of annual leave
15 days of sick & safe leave
16-17 holidays
3 personal leave days
12 weeks paid family medical leave
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts
Mandatory and supplemental retirement plans with Fidelity and TIAA
Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife
Tuition remission for employees and their families
Free professional development conferences
Unlimited LinkedIn Learning access
Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union
Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services through the Employee Assistance Program