Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs

Posting Number : 20260009EX

Job Title :

Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs

Number of Vacancies :

About Murray State :

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits :

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment :

Equal Opportunity Employer / AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment : Regular Full-Time

Work Location : Kentucky

Employment Term : 12 Months

Position Type :

Staff - Exempt (Monthly)

Department : Public Affairs

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities :

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Public Affairs reports to the University President and oversees the University’s governmental relations and institutional affairs. The AVP manages relationships with state, federal and local governments, local and regional leaders and provides support to the President, senior administrators, Board of Regents and the broader campus. Represents the President at various events on and off campus as directed. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting with risk management issues.

• Reinforce the University’s legislative priorities in local, state and federal governments
• Provide support to the President and senior administrative staff in advancing institutional initiatives, public policy, and community outreach.
• Supervise the University’s contracted legislative agents, as directed.
• Serve as the University’s primary contact for University administrators, faculty, and staff regarding the coordination of all governmental and legislative activities, meetings, and communications with government officials in order to ensure a consistent message on behalf of the University.
• Assist with drafting and advancing needed legislation in order to advance the interests of the University and its respective colleges, schools, departments and units
• Coordinate University events and communications for state legislators, regional leaders, members of Congress or governmental staff members when visiting campus.
• Work with each of the University’s colleges, schools, departments and administrative offices to monitor and address legislative activities and policy needs.
• Work with members of the University Community to coordinate presentations to state and federal legislative committees or with various governmental agencies.
• Ensure that effective program planning and assessment are carried out to accomplish the goals and objectives of the departmental and University strategic marketing and branding plans that encompasses the needs of development, alumni and outreach.
• The AVP will coordinate with the Office of Branding, Marketing and Communication regarding the President’s social media and other joint projects between the President’s Office and the Office of BMC.
• Works collaboratively with the Office of Development on Town and Gown Community Partnership program and initiatives as well as other community relations.
• The AVP along with the Office of Branding, Marketing and Communications will work closely with the Office of Development and the Office of Alumni Affairs on all initiatives.
• The AVP will serve as a special liaison to the Office of Alumni and Office of Development on special initiatives and fundraising projects on behalf of the MSU President.
• Provide leadership and direction as needed for regional outreach.
• Represent the University’s mission, vision and values at official functions both on and off campus.
• Develop and manage operating budgets.
• Assist with overall operational risk management matters, including identifying overarching risks, development of strategies to minimize risks, and preparation of regular reporting to the Board of Regents on broad risk factors.
• Represents the President at various events on and off campus as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements :

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements :

Staff Grade : Ungraded

Posting Date : 10 / 03 / 2025

Open Until Filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Along with the application, the following items must be included :

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by October 24, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.