Anthem Executive is leading the search for the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations (AVC) for The Texas A&M System.
The AVC will report to the Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and will manage the federal relations program of the Texas A&M University system, within the Office of Governmental Relations, in support of the academic, research and service priorities of the System and its academic institutions, health science center and eight state agencies.
Click here for a copy of the full Search Prospectus: TX A&M AVC Federal Relations SP
The AVC will:
- Lead the overall development, coordination, and implementation of the federal agenda for the A&M System including engagement with the Executive Branch and Congress in support of legislative and appropriations priorities.
- Engage the senior leadership at each institution, agency, and the A&M System in support of a coordinated strategy to advance federal priorities across the System.
- Work closely with the Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations and members of the State relations team to carry out the System’s goals and objectives.
- Provide a positive and cohesive work environment in support of the federal relations team.
- Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, including the Texas delegation and key committee chairs, as well as institutional advocates that can help advance System priorities.
- Develop unique and targeted strategies to advance the interests of each System member in academic excellence, research development and other areas, and provide them with ongoing support in developing relationships with key elected officials, federal agency personnel, congressional staff and other constituencies as needed.
- Advise leadership on federal issues impacting the System and anticipate emerging opportunities for the institutions, agencies, and health science center in Washington.
- Closely monitor and report on policy developments, political trends, events of interest and noteworthy changes within the federal landscape that have implications for the System.
- Establish collaborative relationships with and engage in mutually beneficial collaborative efforts with the broader higher education community, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
- Build and maintain close working relationships with the System’s key constituencies in Washington, D.C., including mobilizing higher education coalitions, associations, and other business interests as needed.
About The Texas A&M System
The Texas A&M University System was officially established in 1948 and has evolved into one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of 11 universities, including the flagship, Texas A&M University, and ten regional universities across the state. Additionally, the A&M System provides service and education to the people of Texas and beyond through eight state agencies and a System administration office.
Each of the A&M System members has its own unique mission, history, and goals. Together, they provide research, educational programs and community enhancement services that improve the lives of people in Texas and around the world.
A&M System universities educate over 152,000 students and make more than 24 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year.
With more than 26,000 faculty and staff positions, the A&M System has a physical presence in 250 of the state’s 254 counties and a programmatic presence in every county.
The A&M System has real property holdings totaling more than 63,000 surface acres and 62,000 mineral acres.
System-wide, externally funded research expenditures exceed $1 billion to help drive the state’s economy.
The A&M System, with a total operating budget of $6.3 billion, is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents. A nonvoting student member was added in 2006. The regents appoint the chancellor, the chief executive officer who oversees the direction and operation of the System. The System’s role is governed by the state’s education code, Title 3, chiefly Ch. 51, Sec. 51.353 and Ch. 85, Sec. 85.17.
The A&M Strategic Plan may be found at https://www.tamus.edu/system-x/plan/
The Office of Governmental Relations (GR)
Texas A&M University’s Office of Government Relations (GR) is A&M’s interface with the Texas Legislature, Congress, and senior state and federal executive branch officials.
Through the Office of the President, and in coordination with The Texas A&M University System, the goal of GR is to fulfill Texas A&M’s state constitutional charge as a “university of the first class” and federal land-grant mission. Specifically, to maximize the effectiveness of engagement with elected officials, staffers, or high-level agency personnel. Visit the GR webpage at https://governmentrelations.tamu.edu/index.html.
Federal Relations Program
GR is Texas A&M’s liaison to Congressional Members, staff, and high-level association and federal agency personnel. Their goal is to elevate the national profile of Texas A&M University, their faculty, researchers, and students, working with the A&M System Office of Federal Relations in Washington D.C.
The office fosters relationships with the Texas Congressional delegation to raise awareness of Texas A&M’s vast expertise, while also facilitating visits of Members and staff to campus, and arranging Texas A&M faculty and administrator visits to DC.
The office maintains a current understanding of federal research priorities and works to ensure that Texas A&M’s capabilities, in these priority areas, are a part of the strategy to solve national problems. Monitoring legislation regarding national higher education and research issues relevant to Texas A&M, the office works to identify emerging issues impacting the university community and assists in mitigating future issues.
Working closely with colleagues at higher education associations, such as the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the office addresses broad issues affecting the higher education community, while also serving as a resource to the campus community on federal relations matters affecting the broader Texas A&M community.
To Express Interest
For more information or to discuss this position, contact Scott Watson, Michael Ballew, Florene Stawowy, or Mike “JR” Wheless by sending a cover letter of interest, your resume, and current bio/profile to:
Applications may be accepted until the position is filled; however, to ensure consideration, do not delay in submitting your cover letter and resume to the above email address. We will be moving quickly on this search.
The Texas A&M University System shall provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity through the System for faculty and staff employees. Furthermore, they encourage and foster a workplace community where individuals are valued for their diverse backgrounds and differences.