Director, Government & Community Relations

Worcester Polytech; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Mental health support

Job summary

WPI, located in Worcester, MA, seeks a Director of Government & Community Relations to manage relations with local and state officials and community stakeholders. The role drives advocacy, partnership building, and compliance with regulatory requirements, reporting to the Chief Governmental Relations Officer.

Responsibilities include developing local/state government engagement strategies, monitoring policy developments, and coordinating advocacy campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related role, preferably within higher education.
• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes and policy development at local, state, and federal levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies for government engagement at local and state levels.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory issues that may impact the organization and provide regular updates to leadership.
• Advocate for policy positions that align with the organization's mission, preparing policy briefs, testimony, and other advocacy materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, regulatory bodies, and government agencies.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns and mobilize resources to support the organization's public policy goals.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

JOB TITLE Director, Government & Community Relations

LOCATION Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME Government & External Relations

DIVISION NAME Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

SUMMARY

The Director of Government and Community Relations is responsible for managing the organization's relationships with local and state officials, as well as community stakeholders. This role is pivotal in advocating for the organization's interests, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The Director will serve as a liaison between the organization, elected officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups, fostering positive relationships to support organizational goals. This position reports to the Chief Governmental Relations Officer.

Government Relations

Develop and execute strategies for government engagement at local and state levels. Monitor legislative and regulatory issues that may impact the organization and provide regular updates to leadership. Advocate for policy positions that align with the organization's mission, preparing policy briefs, testimony, and other advocacy materials. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, regulatory bodies, and government agencies. Assist the Chief Governmental Relations Officer with federal and state activities as needed.

Advocacy & Compliance

Track, analyze, and influence public policy developments that affect the organization. Ensure the organization complies with lobbying, reporting, and other regulatory requirements related to government relations activities. Coordinate advocacy campaigns and mobilize resources to support the organization's public policy goals.

Community Relations

Lead the organization's community outreach efforts, building partnerships with local leaders, civic groups, and community organizations. Represent the organization at community meetings, public hearings, non-profit boards, and events to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. Develop and manage community engagement programs, including events, sponsorships, and partnerships that enhance the organization's public presence. Respond to community concerns and inquiries, ensuring a timely and effective resolution to issues.

Stakeholder Engagement

Identify and engage key stakeholders across sectors, including business, education, nonprofit, and government. Collaborate with internal departments to align community and government relations activities with organizational goals. Build coalitions and partnerships to support initiatives and drive positive outcomes for both the organization and the local community.

Strategic Communications

Oversee external communications related to community and government relations, ensuring consistent messaging and branding. Prepare briefings, speeches, and presentations for executive leadership on public policy and community relations topics. Manage crisis communication strategies in collaboration with the public relations team to address issues impacting the organization. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related role, preferably within higher education.
• Previous work in government is a plus.
• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes and policy development at local, state, and federal levels.

Salary Grade 8: $71,800 - $88,740 (depending on experience) Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Compensation at WPI FLSA STATUS United States of America (Exempt) WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.

It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

About WPI Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a vibrant and diverse community of extraordinary students, talented and dedicated staff, and world-renowned faculty.

• Along with its state-of-the-art research facilities, WPI offers competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs, including paid time off, health insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, and a working environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

It is a community committed to civility and respect—making inclusion and belonging a reality for everyone on its campus.