State Government Relations Director

Overview

Summary Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on issues before the Louisiana Legislature and state government. Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the position builds and strengthens relationships with members of the Louisiana Legislature, the Governor’s Office, the Board of Regents, and key state agencies to ensure Tulane’s priorities are effectively represented. The position develops and implements comprehensive state engagement strategies, advises senior university leadership on policy and budget developments, and coordinates advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s academic, research, and institutional goals.

The position also manages the university’s state consultants and external government relations resources, ensuring their work aligns with institutional strategies and delivers measurable value. This position requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters. Regular travel to Baton Rouge and occasional evening or weekend work are required, particularly during the legislative session.

Summary Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on issues before the Louisiana Legislature and state government. Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the position builds and strengthens relationships with members of the Louisiana Legislature, the Governor’s Office, the Board of Regents, and key state agencies to ensure Tulane’s priorities are effectively represented. The position develops and implements comprehensive state engagement strategies, advises senior university leadership on policy and budget developments, and coordinates advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s academic, research, and institutional goals.

The position also manages the university’s state consultants and external government relations resources, ensuring their work aligns with institutional strategies and delivers measurable value. This position requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters. Regular travel to Baton Rouge and occasional evening or weekend work are required, particularly during the legislative session.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with strong attention to detail (writing samples required).
• Strong relationships with current and former Louisiana policymakers and elected officials in the legislative and executive branches.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and opinion leaders.
• Strategic thinker with strengths in problem-solving, consensus building, and working quickly, accurately, and independently under tight deadlines.
• Proactive, positive, and intellectually curious, with the ability to build trust and cultivate broad professional networks.
• Ability to travel frequently to Baton Rouge and spend significant time there during the legislative session.
• Familiarity with higher education systems and issues.

Required Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in political science, public policy, public administration, law, communications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience working in or around Louisiana state government with demonstrated knowledge of the legislative and executive branches and an understanding of state policy and budget processes.

Commitment to the mission and values of higher education and institutional neutrality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Specific experience working with Louisiana’s legislative delegation, Governor’s Office, and state agencies.