Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and Health Policy

Immediately

Salary commensurate with experience

40 hours weekly

Office of Governmental Relations

A resume and letter of interest is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans - and people all over the world - through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, four health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 160,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.

The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System's thirteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and Health Policy serves as a senior advisor and strategic leader within The University of Texas System Administration. This position supports the advancement of UT System initiatives while serving as a key liaison to the Texas Legislature, executive branch agencies, Legislative Budget Board, and other governmental entities. The Associate Vice Chancellor works closely with the Deputy Chancellor and Senior Policy Advisor, Executive Vice Chancellors, the UT institution presidents, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to promote higher education policy, legislative priorities, and academic excellence across the UT System.

• Drive the development, alignment, and execution of comprehensive state and federal legislative strategies that advance UT System priorities in higher education, health, and research.
• Serve as a liaison to state, federal, and local government officials, advocating for UT System initiatives, funding, and policy positions while cultivating strong, trust-based relationships.
• Represent the UT System and its institutions in legislative hearings, policy forums, stakeholder meetings, and professional boards, effectively communicating priorities and influencing outcomes.
• Coordinate and strengthen communications between the UT System, component institutions, state agencies, associations, the Governor's Office, Texas Legislature, and Executive Branch leadership.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, programs, and strategic initiatives across UT institutions.
• Monitor legislative committees, regulatory bodies and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board activities, providing timely analysis, reporting, and strategic advice to shape legislative policy and budget recommendations.
• Advise UT System leadership on legislative and regulatory implications, enabling informed decisions that advance academic, health, budgetary, operational, and student-centered priorities.
• Prepare higher education policy analyses and legislative documents for executive and legislative offices; track and interpret legislation impacting academic and health policy and system wide initiatives and respond to information inquiries from Texas officials and executive agencies.
• Lead and oversee the preparation of official documents and in response to requests from executive and legislative offices, state agencies, and government officials.
• Provide leadership and oversight for special projects and initiatives, such as task forces and committee projects, as directed by and in support of the Deputy Chancellor and Senior Policy Advisor and Executive Vice Chancellors.
• Maintain subject matter expertise in governmental relations, policy, and regulatory affairs, staying current on best practices and legislative developments through professional development and engagement.
• Mentor and develop staff supporting legislative and academic functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities in healthcare and academic settings
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Understanding of compliance and accreditation standards with academic and health-related institutions
• Ability to manage institutional relationships
• Knowledge of higher education appropriations, finance, and internal budgets
• Ability to analyze legislation and amendments ensuring statutory clarity, and compliance with legal and procedural requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 12 years of experience in governmental relations, public administration, or higher education policy, OR
  Master's degree and 10 years of experience in governmental relations, public administration, or higher education policy
• Demonstrated experience working with legislative bodies, executive agencies, and academic institutions
• Strong understanding of Texas legislative processes and higher education governance

• Master's degree in public policy, education, law, or related field
• Experience in a university system or institution of higher education
• Working knowledge of State of Texas and higher education governance
• Knowledge of the State Fiscal Review process
• Highly proficient using commercial software packages, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); Familiarity with PeopleSoft application

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Uses standard office equipment
• 10% Travel
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours

The standard retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. However, the incumbent of this position may elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in either TRS or ORP is mandatory.

A background check will be conducted on applicants under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request from the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

The University of Texas System Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.

For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu.