Executive Director for Governmental Relations -- University of Illinois

Executive Director for Governmental Relations Job Category: Academic Professional Location: Urbana and/or Springfield Description: University of Illinois Executive Director for Governmental Relations The University of Illinois seeks an Executive Director for Governmental Relations to have management and oversight of University of Illinois government relations at the state and federal level. The position serves as one of eleven University Officers, serves on the University Policy Council, and acts as senior policy advisor and strategist. This position also works with state and federal officials in obtaining the operating and capital budgets and research and student aid support for the University; monitors legislation affecting the University of Illinois; and manages an office of five staff members. Additional responsibilities include: Duties: 1. Oversee and manage the University of Illinois government relations function and office. Serve as principal advocacy office for the University regarding all state and federal legislative priorities. Monitor legislation affecting the University of Illinois at the State and Federal level. 2. Oversee, coordinate and manage all campus activities and interactions with public officials in consultation with campus and university officials. 3. Meet regularly with members and staff of the Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and key state and federal administrative officials regarding the implementation of University priorities. 4. Serve as one of eleven officers of the University of Illinois and serve on the University Policy Council. 5. Build capacity across alumni relations, media relations, fund raising and government relations to advance the broad public understanding of and support for the University of Illinois. 6. Develop and oversee strategies to advocate, enhance and seek support for the university and advocate for the university and higher education. 7. Serve on appropriate teams and committees within the University and externally to enhance University of Illinois initiatives and projects. 8. Seek to position the University of Illinois to effectively inform public officials of the importance of the University of Illinois within the state and nation. 9. Provide leadership in administering and overseeing the Governmental Relations Office’s daily operations to ensure established short- and long-term unit objectives/goals are met including directing/supervising professional and support staff activities. 10. Provide leadership and direction with other executive-level duties appropriate for the position of Executive Director for Governmental Relations. Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree (preferably in public policy or related field); Master's degree preferred. Other requirements include: minimum of seven to ten years of experience in a government setting, such as a legislative office or executive agency; or comparable experience in a State agency or similarly complex organization; demonstrated leadership skills acquired in a work environment that administers legislative activities; proven ability to analyze the impact of legislative mandates on the University; ability to formulate compliance strategies, which are developed in consultation with key stakeholders; demonstrated executive-level advisory skills that offer insightful recommendations in response to broad-based issues for review/consideration by administrative officials; excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated analytical skills that address difficult, complex issues with effective problem-resolution strategies; excellent decision-making skills that reflect good judgment and discretion; demonstrated teamwork skills; outstanding interpersonal skills; and knowledge of the University of Illinois structure, mission, and campus initiatives in the areas of academic research and instruction. This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by July 20, 2014 at https://uajobs.hr.uillinois.edu/. Employee Relations and Human Resources 271 Henry Administration Building, MC 341 506 South Wright Street Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-2600