Director of Government and Community Relations

Southern Illinois University 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 strong ties with municipal, county, state, and federal leaders and key community organizations. The role requires a Master’s degree and at least five years in government relations, with a proven ability to navigate legislative processes and development of policy.

The incumbent must reside in the Southern Illinois region and will advocate SIUC’s priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in business, public administration, political science, higher education, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of government relations or public affairs experience, preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and stakeholders.
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise diplomacy with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chancellor's Office main representative to elected officials, community organizations, and civic leaders at local, 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 higher education issues and regional development; 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

Stakeholder relations

Policy awareness

Communication skills

Diplomacy

Project management

Education

Master's degree in business, public administration, political science, higher education or related field

Job description

Director of Government and Community Relations will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong, purposeful relationships with external stakeholders, including municipal, county, and state-level community-based organizations, community partners, school districts, and elected officials. Incumbent must reside in the Southern Illinois Region.

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

• Serve as the Chancellor's Office main representative to elected officials, community organizations, and civic leaders across the 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 the issues that matter most to SIUC - from higher ed access to regional development; work closely with other university leaders to align strategy with relationships.
• Promote the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of SIUC with authenticity, and enthusiasm.
• Will coordinate with the SIU System Office of Governmental and Public Affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, public administration, political science, higher education, or other degree related to the position
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related field, preferably in 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
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, multitasking and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must be able to exercise diplomacy with grace and professional dignity
• Ability to work in high pressure, high stakes, fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Ability to follow-through and follow-up to ensure the completion of critical tasks
• Commitment to preparation and the idea of being prepared
• Experience managing multiple high-level, high-stake tasks simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience building and maintaining relationships with government officials
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes and policy development at local, state, and federal levels

Contact

Jodi Boese, [e-mail]

Office of the Chancellor