Director of State Relations - Office of the President (4006)

Primary Function

The Director of State Relations ( DSR ) develops, plans, and executes the University’s state relations activities and represents the University at the state legislative and executive levels of government. The DSR is housed in the President’s Office and reports directly to the Chief of Staff to the President. The position is based in Springfield, IL, but will require regular travel to NIU’s DeKalb campus.

Duties and Responsibilities (generally)

• Identify, analyze, and review state issues of major importance to the University
• Assist in the development of the University’s legislative agenda
• Coordinate and communicate with NIU leadership on state legislative matters
• Responds to request for information from state officials regarding University programs, policies, or procedures
• Prepare written testimony, budget/financial materials, and policy analysis for University appearances before legislative committees, budget hearings, meetings with University Council, internal committees, and other stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with University staff on Budget and Policy Issues. (Includes, but not limited to, Administration and Finance; Academic Affairs; Legal Services; Institutional Effectiveness; Enrollment, Management, Marketing and Communications; Student Affairs.)
• Maintain close working relationship with staff at agencies and organizations including the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, the Illinois General Assembly members and staff, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the Capital Development Board, the public university presidents & chancellors, public university legislative liaisons, and other higher education agencies and entities.
• Represent the President and the University by attending meetings, hearings and proceedings of higher education agencies, coordinating boards, commissions, universities, and other regulatory agencies and bodies.
• Develop educational opportunities for students in the legislature, state agencies, and other state governmental entities (e.g., internships, field trips)
• Coordinates visits of state government officials and government staff to the University.
• Provide the BOT with state budget and legislative updates on a regular basis, specifically the Research and Innovation, Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee.
• Serves as the University liaison with the legislative advocacy program of the NIU Alumni Association and with the NIU Caucus

Minimum Required Qualifications for this position

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of directly related and progressively responsible experience in Illinois state government;
• Knowledge of state legislative and budget development process;
• Demonstrated professional ethics/ethical leadership; and
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

Specialty Factors (Additional Required Qualifications)

Education and Experience Preferred

• Advanced degree
• Familiarity with the role of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, including its policies, procedures and programs as well as knowledge of the Higher Education development process for operations, capital and financial aid;
• Experience working with a diverse community to establish and maintain good working relationships in a manner that promotes a positive image of NIU both internally and externally;
• Ability to advocate for higher education, financial aid, the University, students, faculty and staff in a bipartisan manner;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including superb interpersonal skills; and
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to the performance of this position.

Working Hours
Irregular
Hiring rate/range
Commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity; position includes a robust benefits package to eligible applicants.
Posting Date
01/11/2021
Closing Date
01/26/2021
Priority Review Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit application and documents through NIU online employment system at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/54999 by January 26, 2020. For questions, contact Crystal Doyle, ccoppel@niu.edu.

Northern Illinois University is an AA/ EEO institution. Pre-employment background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required.

Link to Department Homepage

https://www.niu.edu/work-at-niu/state-relations/

Physical Demands

• Ability to work from home;
• Position requires a flexible work schedule that includes extended hours, attendance at evening and weekend events, and travel to DeKalb.

EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Is Background Check Required
Yes
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/54999
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • PHD
2. How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
   • Less than 2 years
   • 2 years
   • 2-4 years
   • 4-6 years
   • 6+
3. Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or resume.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of References

Optional Documents