Policy & Leadership Adviser

Virginia Tech; United States; Remote; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

This innovative firm is seeking a passionate Policy and Leadership Adviser to enhance rural leadership programs across Virginia. The role involves content development, marketing, recruitment, and fundraising for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI). Candidates should possess a Master's degree in Public Management and demonstrate strong communication skills, along with a commitment to rural prosperity and inclusivity. Join a dedicated team focused on making a positive impact in rural communities while engaging with local leaders and stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of rural leadership and contribute to meaningful community development.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Public Management required.
• Experience in fundraising and community engagement is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop content and marketing strategies for VRLI programs.
• Manage fundraising and event planning for VRLI initiatives.

Skills

Public Speaking

Fundraising

Event Planning

Leadership Program Development

Community Engagement

Research on Rural Leadership

Knowledge of Virginia Politics

Education

Master's Degree in Public Management

Tools

Virtual Meeting Technology

Job description

The Policy and Leadership Adviser will report to the Executive Director at the Virginia Rural Center, with oversight from the Virginia Rural Center (VRC) Board of Directors and receive guidance from the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) Advisory Committee on strategy and direction.

The Policy and Leadership Adviser will be responsible for:

1. Content development of VRLI (30%)
2. Marketing of VRLI (10%)
3. Recruitment of VRLI (10%)
4. Fundraising of VRLI (20%)
5. Event planning of VRLI (30%)

The Policy and Leadership Adviser will be actively involved in all aspects of the VRLI programs, requiring travel across Virginia and participation in activities that may include working at both night and on weekends. The Policy & Leadership Adviser will be responsible for managing the VRLI program sessions (including facilitation) and to assist in securing the necessary financial resources for a sustained VRLI program. The Policy & Leadership Adviser will personify the Institute’s values of a commitment to rural prosperity. Central to the mission of VRLI is a commitment to inclusivity.

The Policy & Leadership Adviser will work with the Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center to ensure that VRLI and other Virginia Rural Center programs advance a vision of positive and energetic impact across rural Virginia that is consistent with the mission of the Virginia Rural Center.

The Virginia Rural Center welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the Virginia Rural Center is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

Required Qualifications

1. Master's Degree with a Public Management Concentration
2. Demonstrated experience with research on Rural Leadership, Community, and Economic Development Principles
3. Proven communications and public speaking skills, experience serving as a facilitator is a plus
4. Ability to develop, articulate and implement leadership program content
5. Experience with fundraising
6. Event planning experience
7. Ability to promote the mission of VRLI in ways that inspire engagement
8. Knowledge of and/or experience in Virginia politics, policy, and government
9. Ability to work effectively with government, political, and community leaders to elevate the profile of VRLI, enhance the impact of VRLI and its programs on rural Virginia

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience and success in program design of rurally focused programs
2. Experience working with multiple rural regions of the commonwealth
3. Demonstrated history of experience working in multiple rural issue areas, including but not limited to: economic development, broadband, agriculture, housing, workforce development, among others
4. Previous participation in a leadership development program
5. Grant writing experience
6. Experience/familiarity with technology/virtual meeting facilitation

Appointment Type: Restricted
Salary Information: Commensurate with Experience
Review Date: July 6, 2023

The Policy and Leadership Adviser will be actively involved in all aspects of the VRLI programs, requiring travel across Virginia and participation in activities that may include working at both night and on weekends.

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kristie Proctor at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.