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Associate Vice President, Government Relations

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedAssociate Vice President, Government Relationsat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

The Associate Vice President for Government Relations (AVP GR) provides the strategic oversight and leadership of Wayne State University’s efforts to engage and build partnerships with elected partners and civil servants at the state level. In collaboration with university leadership, the AVP GR develops and executes a compelling annual state legislative strategy that generates new and ongoing support for Wayne State University, builds on institutional priorities and strengths to tell Wayne State’s story, takes advantage of new and emerging collaborations and funding opportunities, and shifts as public policies change.

The AVP GR reports to the Chief of Staff and University Relations Officer (COS URO) and serves as a member of the University Leadership Council and the University Relations Division leadership team. Serves as a visible presence on campus and in Lansing, the AVP GR will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to optimize the translation and connection between campus strengths and funding opportunities. While closely collaborating with and supervising the Regional Relations Director, the AVP GR also provides support to federal advocacy led by the Vice President of Research and Innovation and the COS URO to ensure an integrated approach to local, regional, state, and federal governmental relations. The AVP GR represents WSU at state boards, as appropriate, follows legislation with potential impact on higher education, and directs the work of the Lansing-based lobbying firm.

Essential Functions

Lead the development of a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with organizational goals, with university leadership, and execution of a compelling annual state legislative strategy for Wayne State University, including the actions of the Lansing-based lobbyist. Ensure that the strategy generates new and ongoing support for Wayne State, builds on institutional priorities and strengths to tell Wayne State’s story, takes advantage of new and emerging collaborations and funding opportunities, and shifts as public policies change. Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments that impact the university, providing timely updates to senior leadership.

Cultivate and maintain relationships, networks and contacts with state officials, their staff and related organizations and associations. Represent the interests of the University, communicate its program proposals and policy positions and address its problems or concerns with the appropriate officials. Quickly and efficiently communicate pertinent information, questions, and risks to university leadership.

Ensure that campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, have opportunities to learn about learn about, participate in, and/or contribute information to state advocacy efforts. Be a visible presence on campus to build relationships and truly understand and communicate how WSU is as an engine of opportunity for students and the community. Support and participate in campus events involving elected officials.

Represent WSU on boards and committees of external advocacy organizations to collectively advocate the interests of higher education and the university.

Produce and support the production of analyses and materials that illustrate the impact of the university as well as the impact of proposed legislation. Serve as a close collaborator with the University Marketing and Communications team and the Institutional Research team.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK CONTEXT

Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean.

Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy.

Supervisory Accountability: Supervises professionals and non-managers.

Organizational Accountability: Manages sub-unit of a department.

Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget.

Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives.

Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Master’s degree, JD, or other relevant graduate degree.

Experience

Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)

Experience (7+ years) in legislative and governmental affairs, public policy, public relations or closely related field., including one or more years in a governmental leadership role.

Experience in multiple political arenas (federal, state and local government) and legal experience preferred.

Experience in higher education helpful but not required.

Management experience including, but not limited to planning, development and implementation of programs/policies; supervision of staff; development and oversight of financial resources and budget planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be able to register as a lobbyist with the state.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with others.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong understanding of legislative processes and experience in advocacy efforts.

Ability to analyze complex policy issues and provide strategic recommendations.

General knowledge of issues facing higher education and familiarity with governmental budget practices preferred.

School/College/Division:

H73 - University Relations

Primary department:

H3701 - VP Gov and Community Affairs

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Executive

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions:

Some evening and weekend work is required. Travel required.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

+ Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.