Executive Director, Government Affairs

About this role

Executive Director, Government Affairs

Government & Community Affairs

Executive Director, Government Affairs

• 560568
• New York
• Government & Community Affairs
• Full Time
• Opening on: Nov 10 2026
• Grade 15
• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Government & Community Affairs (GCA), the Executive Director manages the University’s day-to-day relationships with state and local government, including elected officials, executive branch agencies, and civic leadership in New York State and the New York City region. The Executive Director supervises the Director, Government Affairs, and other direct reports as assigned. The Executive Director leads the development and execution of the University’s state and local engagement and advocacy agenda, and oversees GCA’s civic engagement portfolio, including the University’s congressional internship program and its voter registration and education initiatives. They provide strategic advice to the Vice President and other senior University leadership on legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting the University, and coordinate with federal relations colleagues and outside consultants to ensure a consistent institutional approach across all levels of government.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Vice President and senior University leadership on state and local legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting Columbia, including their implications for the University’s academic, research, clinical, and capital priorities.
• Develop and execute the University’s government engagement and advocacy strategy in Albany and New York City, and lead its implementation across the Government Affairs unit.
• Establish and deepen relationships with state and local elected officials and their staffs, and interface directly with State Legislators, City Councilmembers, and executive branch and agency officials in New York State and New York City to advance the University’s interests.
• Monitor and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory developments in Albany and New York City; assist with policy formulation and support advocacy efforts pursuant to those policies.
• Oversee the University’s congressional internship program, including the cultivation of placement partnerships with congressional offices, student recruitment and selection, placement, orientation, and ongoing support of participating students, in coordination with the schools, Undergraduate Student Life, and other University partners.
• Lead GCA’s civic engagement and voter registration initiatives; serve as liaison with student groups, schools, and University offices to promote voter registration, voter education, and participation, ensuring that all such activity is conducted on a strictly nonpartisan basis and in compliance with University policy and applicable law.
• Work with the University’s federal relations staff and outside consultants in Washington, DC on federal matters affecting the University, and ensure alignment between federal, state, and local advocacy strategies.
• Work with the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Public Affairs, and others, as necessary, to ensure compliance with New York State and New York City lobbying registration and reporting requirements.
• Act proactively to ensure that GCA colleagues, University leadership, and other internal stakeholders have timely, relevant, and accurate information regarding elected officials, political and policy developments, and civic leadership, including through regular reports and briefing materials.
• Manage relationships with relevant trade associations, higher education associations, and outside consultants.
• Represent Columbia University and GCA at a range of meetings and events in New York City and Albany, with peer institutions and alongside external stakeholders.
• Manage direct report(s) in the Office of Government & Community Affairs, including the Director, Government Affairs, and other roles, as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; 7-10 years related experience in government relations, legislative or political affairs, public policy, higher education administration, or a related field. Advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of New York State and New York City government, the legislative and budget processes, and the civic landscape of New York City. Strong leadership ability and exceptional interpersonal skills, along with excellent writing and verbal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively on teams, to supervise staff, to skillfully manage projects and initiatives to their successful completion, and to hold oneself accountable for the quality of one’s work. Regular attendance at meetings and events outside normal business hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, as well as periodic travel to Albany, is expected.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.