Chief of Staff / Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations

The Chief of Staff/Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations serves as chief of staff to the President and the coordinator of state and federal governmental relations. This position oversees the President's schedule, facilitates access to the President, represents and speaks for the President, and coordinates projects and initiatives as assigned by the President. The Chief of Staff/Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations is responsible for facilitating the University's achievement of its local, state and federal legislative agenda; supervises state and federal governmental services representatives and contracts; and coordinates the governmental relations activities of university officials. This position helps to ensure that the President's vision is effectively translated into action by coordinating efforts across the university leadership, supporting institutional priorities, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and leading implementation of communication about the University's strategic plan.

Description of Primary Duties
The Chief of Staff/Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations serves as chief of staff to the President and the coordinator of state and federal governmental relations. This position oversees the President's schedule, facilitates access to the President, represents and speaks for the President, and coordinates projects and initiatives as assigned by the President.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education:
A Baccalaureate degree is required. A master's or terminal degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration or public/government relations practice, preferably with management experience, is required.

Skills Desired:
Strong verbal, written, visual, and interpersonal communication skills, including exceptional listening skills, the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, clearly communicate complicated and/or ambiguous subjects, and articulate university needs with persuasiveness and conviction.

Ability to approach work with high degrees of energy, initiative, organization, self-confidence, creativity, positivity, attention to detail and resilience. A proven record of diplomacy.

Strategic planning, goal setting, project management, evaluation, event planning, speech writing and budgeting experience.

Ability to understand, synthesize, and apply knowledge of higher education finance, demographic, and policy trends.

Experience with supervising and evaluating staff.

Ability to understand, synthesize, and apply knowledge of the University's strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities.

Ability to develop and maintain relationships that enhance the University's presence and reputation in the community and at the state level.

Ability to develop and maintain relationships with individuals throughout the University community and to foster a climate of openness and transparency, integrity, trust, mutual respect, and team-oriented collaborative problem-solving.

Substantive knowledge of state and federal executive branches; experience working with and advocating to state and federal legislators.

Personal and professional ethics and integrity.

Sensitivity and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive matters.

Other:
The scope of the job frequently requires travel and attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, and seminars.

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