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Title: Director of Public Affairs and Policy
Division Name: Presidential
Department: President’s Office
Campus Location: Normal, IL
General Summary
Illinois State University seeks a pro-active and strategic governmental/public affairs administrator to serve as its director of public affairs and policy in the Office of the President.
This person serves as an advisor to the president, the Board of Trustees, chief of staff, and university leadership on issues relating to local, state, and federal government. This is not limited to legislation, budget, and fiscal matters but also includes pro-active measures to promote and ensure Illinois State University is “at the table” when decisions are made, and is extending itself fully to serve the research, service, and analysis needs of the government when appropriate.
As chief legislative strategist, the director develops plans for review to achieve goals on behalf of the University, as well as enhances the University’s profile at all levels of government. The director interacts in coalition with other higher education stakeholders and leaders to achieve shared interests. The position serves as a relationship builder with diverse constituent groups and the key liaison between the University, including the president and cabinet, and elected and appointed officials. They may need to retain legislative consultants as needed to achieve public affairs goals of the University.
Additional responsibilities include: ensuring timely review and response to proposed legislation affecting the University; preparing legislation for introduction to attain the stated objectives of the University and communicating legislative matters regularly to the University community; identifying and influencing stakeholders, policy makers and politicians making decisions impacting the University; understanding new issues and situations and how they impact the University and its needs; assuring public relations pieces for the University are introduced to legislators and legislative staff; developing pro-active grassroot coalitions of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders as needed to achieve University goals; providing mentorship to student leaders as appropriate, and functioning independently from their university office, especially when the General Assembly is in session.
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree
2. 5 years of experience as an administrator in governmental/public affairs with increasing levels of responsibility at the local, state, or federal level.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop, propose, triage, analyze, respond, and report on legislation consequential to the University.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for institutional needs to elected and appointed officials, stakeholders, and the public.
5. Knowledge of local, state, and federal guidelines, legislative procedures, and budget/fiscal processes.
6. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
7. Demonstrated ability to work independently and report and quantify independent bipartisan public affairs activity in a timely manner to the Office of the President and others as requested.
8. Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups internally and externally as needed to achieve shared goals.
Desired Qualifications
1. Advanced degree
2. Experience in higher education governmental/public affairs
3. Significant lobbying experience
4. Knowledge of the culture, needs and environment of Illinois State University and in general, higher education-related challenges and opportunities.
5. Experience with State of Illinois Procurement Policy & Regulations
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Move about in various locations such as Springfield, IL and the Illinois State University campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
Proposed Starting Date
July 2023
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package
Required Applicant Documents
Resume, Cover Letter, and Reference List (names and contact information for three professional references)
PLEASE NOTE: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on “Apply”
Special Instructions for Applicants
Initial application review will begin on May 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information for Applicants
Lisa Mason
[email protected]
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.