Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs

Details:

Posted: October 10, 2024
Level: Management / Confidential (Executive 1)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Closing Date: The committee will begin review of applications immediately. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm (EST) on Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Location:

CSCU System Office
61 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06105
**This position is not remote**

Position Summary:

The CSCU Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs functions as an advisor to the CSCU leadership on legislative and regulatory matters and as the CSCU System’s advocate and strategist before federal, state, and local legislative bodies to enhance the formulation and application of laws and regulations affecting the CSCU System. They will help build opportunities and recognition for the CSCU system’s institutions and leadership through relationship building and strategic partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally. They serve as a resource to the Chancellor and senior leaders of the system institutions on legislative matters, providing guidance and consultation to them to enhance the effectiveness of their respective programs.

Example of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Vice Chancellor of External Affairs, the Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs is responsible for effective performance in these essential duties:

• Develops and implements the state and federal policy priorities for the CSCU system at the direction of Vice Chancellor of External Affairs, and in consultation with the CACU Chancellor, Board of Regents, college, and university leaders, and CSCU administrators.
• Conducts research, prepares written analyses, and develops strategies to affect and influence present and proposed public policy, legislation, and regulation impacting the CSCU system at the state and federal levels.
• Informs and advises the Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and CSCU Chancellor, college and university leaders, and the Board of Regents on current state and federal policy and legislative activities and emerging issues.
• Facilitates extensive interactions with policymakers, administrators, legislative staff, and others to further the strategic interests of the CSCU system.
• Serves as the primary representative and manages all activities related to CSCU appearances before various official legislative hearings, meetings, and task forces.
• Conducts effective lobbying and governmental relations efforts with federal, state, and local officials and their staffs.
• This role will work to identify opportunities and build strategic partnerships with stakeholders across the state and region.
• Coordinates intragovernmental relationships and strategic initiatives across federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Works to elevate the profile and brand of the CSCU system and institutional leaders with state, regional, and national partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public administration, political science, or a related field together with a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of seven (7) years of equivalent work experience in developing, coordinating, and implementing effective government relations programs.

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and legislation and to apply them to and determine their effect on higher education.
• Ability to advise policymakers on the effects of regulation and legislation and to guide their policymaking efforts.
• Ability to affect legislators and government officials in a persuasive and convincing manner.

Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with the CT General Assembly.
• Experience in higher education.

Starting Salary:

Minimum Salary: $140,721 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits. The salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications such as education and job-related experience, and internal equity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous leave policies; several retirement plans; and many choices for comprehensive health insurance.

Application Instructions:

To apply you must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter may be entered as text in the corresponding box, or it can be uploaded as a combined file with the resume.

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

Background Screening:

All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check.