Director of Government and Community Relations

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale seeks a Director of Government and Community Relations to build and sustain relationships with government officials, community leaders, and educational partners. The role requires strategic outreach to local, state, and national stakeholders to advance SIUC priorities.

The incumbent will educate decision-makers, promote the university’s initiatives, and coordinate with the SIU System Office of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration, political science, higher education, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of government relations/public affairs experience, preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and community leaders.
• Knowledge of legislative processes and policy development at local, state, and federal levels.
• Excellent communication, organizational, multitasking and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Chancellor’s Office main representative to elected officials, community organizations, and civic leaders across municipal, county, state, and federal levels.
• Strengthen ties with key stakeholders and agencies to advance SIUC’s priorities and long-term goals.
• Educate decision-makers and community partners about issues important to SIUC; align strategy with relationships.
• Promote the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of SIUC with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• Coordinate with the SIU System Office of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Skills

Relationship building

Policy development

Public affairs

Communication

Diplomacy

Confidentiality

Education

Master's degree in public administration

Degree related to government relations

Higher education experience

Job description

Description

Director of Government and Community Relations will be responsiblefor developing and maintaining strong, purposeful relationshipswith external stakeholders, including municipal, county, andstate-level community-based organizations, community partners,school districts, and elected officials. Incumbent must reside inthe Southern Illinois Region.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications andexperience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

• Serve as the Chancellor’s Office main representative to electedofficials, community organizations, and civic leaders across themunicipal, county, state, and federal levels.
• Strengthen ties with key stakeholders and agencies to advanceSIUC’s priorities and long-term goals.
• Educate decision-makers and community partners about the issuesthat matter most to SIUC – from higher ed access to regionaldevelopment; work closely with other university leaders to alignstrategy with relationships.
• Promote the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of SIUCwith authenticity, and enthusiasm.
• Will coordinate with the SIU System Office of Governmental andPublic Affairs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, public administration, politicalscience, higher education, or other degree related to theposition
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations,public affairs, or a related field, preferably in highereducation
• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships withgovernment officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders-Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes and policydevelopment at local, state, and federal levels
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, multitasking andcommunication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must be able to exercise diplomacy with grace and professionaldignity
• Ability to work in high pressure, high stakes, fast-pacedenvironment while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Ability to follow-through and follow-up to ensure thecompletion of critical tasks
• Commitment to preparation and the idea of being prepared
• Experience managing multiple high-level, high-stake taskssimultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships withgovernment officials
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes and policydevelopment at local, and federal levels

Required Documents

Please submit a letter of application,CV/resume, and three references.

Contact

Jodi Boese, [e-mail]

Supplemental Information

Office of the Chancellor