Executive Director for Governmental Relations -- University of Illinois

Title: Executive Director for Governmental Relations Job Category: Academic Professional Location: Urbana and/or Chicago and/or Springfield Description: University of Illinois Executive Director Office of Governmental Relations The University of Illinois seeks an experienced and dynamic individual for the position of Executive Director of its Office of Governmental Relations (OGR). The Executive Director acts as senior policy advisor and strategist reporting directly to the President of the University of Illinois, and serves as one of eleven University Officers and is a member of the University Policy Council. The Executive Director develops policy for and manages the OGR and its staff members, with responsibility for University-government relations at the federal, state, and local levels. The University of Illinois is comprised of three campuses, in Chicago, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana. Additional responsibilities include: Duties: Strategic Advocacy and related activities: Coordinate the development and implementation of a coherent, proactive, and forward-thinking strategy for University-government relations at all levels. Provide strategic advice to the University President on the university’s overall engagement strategy with government. Develop and oversee long- and short-term strategies to advocate, enhance, and seek support for the University and higher education in Illinois. Serve on appropriate teams and committees within the University and externally to enhance University initiatives and projects. Government Relations: Establish the necessary relationships to facilitate communication with government officials, including elected representatives and staff at all levels in the federal and state governments, regarding the advancement and implementation of University priorities. Build capacity across alumni relations, media relations, fundraising and government relations to advance a broad public understanding of and support for the University of Illinois. Position the University to inform and effectively communicate with public officials the importance of the University to the state and nation. Work with campus and University officials to oversee and coordinate University and campus activities, communications and interactions with public officials. Supervision and Staff Management: Lead OGR and manage the university’s day-to-day government relations operations to ensure established short- and long-term advocacy objectives/goals are met. Direct the recruitment, selection, performance management and retention of OGR staff. Oversee the OGR budget and provide advice to the President regarding expenditure allocations. Ensure that OGR projects, reports and communications are completed on a timely basis. Qualifications: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field; Master’s degree in public administration or a related field preferred. Other required qualifications include: ten years of relevant work experience within a governmental or public higher education setting or a similarly complex organization, with progressive leadership responsibilities; and significant supervisory experience. Preferred qualifications include: thorough understanding of the relationship between a major public university and the different levels of government; comprehensive knowledge of government structure and decision making processes; demonstrated ability to analyze the impact of government mandates on a university; ability to influence at the executive level and drive change; demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective problem-resolution strategies; demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships with government officials, elected representatives and staff at all levels; demonstrated ability to lead complex operational and strategic government relations initiatives; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and availability for frequent work-related travel. This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position. A comprehensive background check, which may include but not be limited to a criminal conviction information check, will be conducted on finalists. For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by September 30, 2015 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) 333-2600Call: (217) 333-2600 The University of Illinois is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity and diversity. University Administration welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual minority groups and other candidates who will lead and contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. Close Date: 09/30/2015