Director of Governmental Relations
Apply NowCompany: Arkansas Tech University
Location: Russellville, AR 72802
Description:
Director of Governmental Relations
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled, but initial review of applicants will begin November 18,2024
About Arkansas Tech:
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor's School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community. For more information about Arkansas Tech University and the surrounding community, please visit our website at www.atu.edu/hr to find our "Live Here" informational resources.
Position Summary:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations required. Valid driver's license required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Government Relations Director serves as the University's principal liaison to elected officials at all levels.
In collaboration with the Executive Council and the President, University Faculty and Staff, develops and manages university strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for the University.
Works with university leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues for the University.
Communicates and advocates for the University's priorities to local, regional, state, and national elected officials and staff.
Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates and advises leadership and staff about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with university staff to analyze potential impacts on the college. Communicates with the university community to inform them of relevant government issues.
Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including the President, Board members, state associations, student government organization leaders, state agency directors, and government relations staff from other institutions, executive branch agencies, lobbyists, and industry. Engages constituents inside and outside the University in support of the government relations agenda.
Develops a wide range of materials in support of the University's government relations and industry support agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
Plans and implements events and other activities to support the University's government relations goals, such as elected official campus visits, and collaborative public/private meetings.
Provides technical assistance to College faculty and staff on government relations issues.
Guides independent contractors on appropriate government relations actions.
Serves as ex-officio member of the executive council.
Assists with the development and implementation of special projects as needed, including various public and private partnership collaboration, grant assistance, etc.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes.
Public affairs principles and practices.
Project management and planning principles and practices.
Demonstrated Skill in:
Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials and their staffs.
Communicating effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups.
Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents.
Legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums.
Preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets.
Planning and organization.
Managing and coordinating special projects.
Developing and implementing strategic plans as well as responding to short-term objectives.
Attention to detail and strong follow-through.
Critical and strategic thinking.
Event planning and management.
Working independently, as well as with teams.
Working with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field.
Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations required.
Valid driver's license required.
Valid driver's license required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Workforce Development Initiatives
Experience working in Higher Education
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
Primary location will be in Little Rock, AR, however must be available for travel to Russellville, AR on a routine basis
What Do I Need to Submit:
Cover Letter, Resume, and attach 3 References
To be considered for the position of Director of Governmental Relations, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone. This position will remain open until filled, but initial review of applicants will begin November 18,2024.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to apply now.
This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Arkansas Tech University is an AA/EOE employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled, but initial review of applicants will begin November 18,2024
About Arkansas Tech:
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor's School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community. For more information about Arkansas Tech University and the surrounding community, please visit our website at www.atu.edu/hr to find our "Live Here" informational resources.
Position Summary:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations required. Valid driver's license required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Government Relations Director serves as the University's principal liaison to elected officials at all levels.
In collaboration with the Executive Council and the President, University Faculty and Staff, develops and manages university strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for the University.
Works with university leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues for the University.
Communicates and advocates for the University's priorities to local, regional, state, and national elected officials and staff.
Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates and advises leadership and staff about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with university staff to analyze potential impacts on the college. Communicates with the university community to inform them of relevant government issues.
Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including the President, Board members, state associations, student government organization leaders, state agency directors, and government relations staff from other institutions, executive branch agencies, lobbyists, and industry. Engages constituents inside and outside the University in support of the government relations agenda.
Develops a wide range of materials in support of the University's government relations and industry support agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
Plans and implements events and other activities to support the University's government relations goals, such as elected official campus visits, and collaborative public/private meetings.
Provides technical assistance to College faculty and staff on government relations issues.
Guides independent contractors on appropriate government relations actions.
Serves as ex-officio member of the executive council.
Assists with the development and implementation of special projects as needed, including various public and private partnership collaboration, grant assistance, etc.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes.
Public affairs principles and practices.
Project management and planning principles and practices.
Demonstrated Skill in:
Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials and their staffs.
Communicating effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups.
Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents.
Legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums.
Preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets.
Planning and organization.
Managing and coordinating special projects.
Developing and implementing strategic plans as well as responding to short-term objectives.
Attention to detail and strong follow-through.
Critical and strategic thinking.
Event planning and management.
Working independently, as well as with teams.
Working with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field.
Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations required.
Valid driver's license required.
Valid driver's license required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Workforce Development Initiatives
Experience working in Higher Education
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
Primary location will be in Little Rock, AR, however must be available for travel to Russellville, AR on a routine basis
What Do I Need to Submit:
Cover Letter, Resume, and attach 3 References
To be considered for the position of Director of Governmental Relations, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone. This position will remain open until filled, but initial review of applicants will begin November 18,2024.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to apply now.
This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Arkansas Tech University is an AA/EOE employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.