Company: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Job description:

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we’re here for all and focused on each of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College’s focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Government Relations Officer is responsible for the management and coordination of the Colleges’ political relationships with state and federal government entities.  Serving as the College’s primary contact for government matters, the officer pursues public-sector opportunities while collaborating with government stakeholders.

The Officer will cultivate and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, government agencies, funding partners, and policymakers to advance the Colleges’ strategic priorities and institutional interests.

The Officer will work closely with the College’s leadership team to constantly assess, refine, and adjust a government relations strategy and will then leverage partnerships to progress the institution forward.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: President

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the College’s Government Relations efforts:

  • Responsible for managing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive legislative, funding, and issue-oriented interactions as well as campus initiatives designed to advance the mission and priorities of the campus.
  • Leads the development of strategy and tactics to enhance state support for the institution. Draft public testimony letters or other official correspondence to elected officials, governmental agencies, rulemaking bodies, and boards.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with MA legislative and executive branch officials, as well as with other MA state institutions of higher education and other related groups. Work with the Office of the Governor regarding recommendations for the Council of Trustees.
  • Disseminate relevant information and data to bolster support for various programs and initiatives of interest and benefit to the College and the Commonwealth.
  • In collaboration with senior campus leadership, this position shares responsibility for elevating the visibility and public funding for the campus. Monitors and evaluates legislation and regulations impacting the college, creating policy recommendations with the President’s Cabinet.
  • Act as MCLA’s primary contact for major capital project funding with state agencies such as DCAMM, to ensure compliance with proposal processes and heighten MCLA’s visibility with those organizations.
  • Works diligently and creatively to find government funding sources for College’s strategic initiatives.
  • Establishes overall strategy for advocacy programs, creating and leveraging partnerships and collaboration opportunities on behalf of the College.
  • Requires a significant presence in Boston throughout the calendar year. Monitors and evaluates legislation and regulations impacting the college, creating policy recommendations with Cabinet.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in related field preferred
  • Higher education experience is desirable
  • A minimum 5 + years of government engagement experience
  • Demonstrated relationship building with government officials both state and federal
  • Excellent writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Ability to quickly react to resource development opportunities in a rapidly changing environment to meet the needs of shifting priorities
  • Demonstrated skill in tracking projects from initial identification through conclusion of project or to sustainability
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders
  • Strong technological skills, including proficiency in common Microsoft Office programs, database use, and research tools
  • Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, and to travel regionally and nationally to accomplish the goals of the position

Additional Information:

This is a part-time, permanent benefited position, working 20 hours per week. This position has the option for a hybrid work schedule. Salary for this position is $50,000-$55,000 per year.

Position starts on 12/01/2026.

Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA’s Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Job type: Part Time
Fully remote: Hybrid
Salary range: $50,000 – $55,000 per year

Location: North Adams Massachusetts

Apply: http://mcla.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=205068