Director of State Government Relations
Position Summary
The Director of State Government Relations serves a critical position in the Office of the President who will work closely with the President and reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff and University Spokesperson. This position will be a key representative and advocate of the University, charged with advancing its agenda with state government officials, agencies, partners and organizations. The Director develops, plans and executes the University’s state government relations strategies and activities, working with internal and external stakeholders. This position is based in Columbus, OH, but will require regular travel to the University’s Bowling Green campus.
Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities
STATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND STRATEGY
- Develops and leads the University’s state government relations strategy, which advances the institution’s mission and supports its comprehensive constituencies.
- Partners with senior University leaders to develop and execute the University’s legislative agenda. Provides coordination and communication with BGSU leadership on state government matters. Drives the state government messaging for the University. Interfaces with key University areas on budget and policy issues related to state government.
- Serves as the primary liaison for state government officials, agencies, partners and organizations. Creates positive relationships and partnerships on behalf of the University to advocate for its mission and vision. Fields, tracks and responds to inquiries and requests for those involved with and in state government.
- Coordinates regular visits of state government officials and staffs to the University to visit with BGSU leadership and experience campus. Coordinates visits and meetings for the President to Columbus to meet with legislators, agencies and organizations.
- Prepares written testimony, capital and operating briefing materials, reports, policy analysis and other advocacy materials for BGSU leadership. Provides regular state budget and legislative updates. Attends and represents the University at legislative sessions and committee meetings, budget hearings, and meetings with officials, partners and their staffs.
- Identifies and reviews state issues of major importance to the University. Provides counsel and recommendations for the University’s proactive and reactive responses and strategies. Serves on key internal and external committees and working groups related to the University’s state government relations strategy.
EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
- Builds and maintains a close working partnership with staff at agencies and organizations such as the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Inter-University Council of Ohio, the Governor’s Office, the Ohio General Assembly, and with other public university government relations staffs.
- Collaborates with the Inter-University Council of Ohio to build coalitions to advocate in support or opposition of legislation, rules or regulations in state government.
- Develops and assists with educational and career opportunities for students in state government such as with the state legislature, state agencies, and other related organizations.
- Partners to plan and execute BGSU state government events to increase the University’s engagement with state officials, agencies, partners and organizations.
FEDERAL ENGAGEMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
- Partners with the University’s Advisor to the President for Federal Government Relations on issues and strategies related to state and national government.
- Responsible for developing long range plans to define leading state and federal strategies to better engage, work through mutual opportunities, manage and communicate with local, state and federal government officials and agencies.
- Aids in community relations work and builds a plan to effectively engage community leaders and partners. Acts as a liaison and assists in relationship building with key internal and external partners and stakeholders.
- Works on special projects and initiatives and completes other duties as assigned by the President and Deputy Chief of Staff.
Knowledge, Skills or Abilities
- Knowledge of state legislative and budget development processes.
- Knowledge of higher education.
- Familiarity with the role of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio Legislature and executive branch
- The ability to advocate for higher education, financial aid, the University, students, faculty and staff in a bipartisan manner;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including superb interpersonal skills; and
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills with the ability to perform in highly confidential and complex environments.
- Capacity to formulate strategies that will define and achieve the President’s outcomes.
- Must be able to travel around the region and to other areas of the country for overnight travel, including weekends. Will be required to work evenings and weekends to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Diversity Statement
In addition to your cover letter and resume, you will be required to upload a written response to the diversity and inclusion question listed below. The Diversity Statement should not exceed 1 page that is double-spaced with 1-inch margins, using 12pt. font.
- How to you engage others in equity, diversity, and/or inclusion?
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, government, public policy, communications, business or related field. Degree must be conferred at the time of application. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with the university’s vehicle use policy.
Preferred education: Master’s degree in political science, government, public administration, public policy, communications, business or related field.
The following experience is required:
- Three years of political, public policy or advocacy experience in or with the Ohio state government.
- Two years of legislative analyses experience.
Salary
Full-time administrative staff position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Administrative pay grade 359. Full benefits package available.
Benefits
Bowling Green State University provides a comprehensive benefit program as part of a total compensation package. This includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, health accounts (medical & dependent), life & disability insurance, retirement plans, employee assistance program and tuition fee waivers for employees and their eligible dependents as well as paid time off, holidays and parental leave. For more information please visit Benefits-at-a-Glance.pdf (bgsu.edu)
To Apply
For a complete job description & to apply for this position visit https://bgsu.hiretouch.com/ or contact the Office of Human Resources at (419) 372-8421. BGSU. AA/EEO/Disabilities/Veterans. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421.