Job Description

Director of Government and External Relations The Director of Government and External Relations serves as a senior advisor to the Librarian of Virginia and a key member of the agency’s leadership. This position provides strategic direction for the Library’s legislative, government, and external relations programs, building and sustaining strong partnerships with the Virginia General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, state agencies, and the Commonwealth’s cultural heritage and memory institutions. Reporting to the Librarian of Virginia who is the agency head, the Director advances the Library’s mission and priorities through effective communication, advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring that the Library’s voice and values are represented in public policy and interagency initiatives across Virginia and beyond. Key Responsibilities Government and Legislative Relations: Serve as the primary liaison between the Library of Virginia and the Virginia General Assembly, legislative staff, and executive branch offices. Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, budget initiatives, and policy developments affecting the Library, public libraries statewide, and the broader cultural and historical community. Develop and implement legislative strategies in coordination with the Librarian of Virginia and other senior leadership. Prepare briefings, reports, and testimony for legislative committees and budget hearings. Coordinate agency responses to inquiries from legislators and staff in a timely, accurate, and professional manner. Support the Librarian and other leaders in building relationships with state officials and cultivating legislative champions for the Library’s programs. Administer the Statement of Economic Interest (SOEI) process for the Library to ensure filing and training compliance. Serve as the primary liaison between the Library of Virginia and the Office of Regulatory Management (ORM), proposing and tracking regulatory actions and updating the Unified Regulatory Plan. External and Interagency Relations Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other state agencies, boards, and commissions, particularly those in education, history, culture, and information management. Represent the Library in statewide and national cultural memory initiatives, working with libraries, archives, and museums to advance shared goals in access and public engagement. Serve as liaison to key professional organizations, including the Virginia Association of Museums, the Virginia Library Association, and others. Coordinate and participate in Library working groups, task forces, and joint projects that support the Library’s strategic directions. Communications and Strategy Advise the Librarian of Virginia, the Library Board, the Library of Virginia Foundation Board, and senior leadership and management on emerging legislative and policy trends, opportunities, and risks. In coordination with the Chief of Communications, develop messaging and materials to communicate the Library’s impact, priorities, and legislative positions. Collaborate with the Library’s marketing and communications staff to align government relations with public outreach and advocacy initiatives. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Library’s strategic and legislative agendas, including collaboration with the Library of Virginia Foundation. Minimum Qualifications Considerable experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy at the municipal, state, or federal level. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials, agency leadership, and institutional partners. Strong understanding of Virginia’s legislative and executive processes, particularly related to statewide finances. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly to diverse audiences. Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive issues. Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, history, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Additional Considerations Advanced degree in public administration, law, or a related discipline. Experience in or familiarity with the library, archival, historical, or cultural heritage sectors. Prior experience in a public agency or nonprofit organization. Knowledge of advocacy best practices and public affairs communications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Library of Virginia

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