Vice President for University Relations
- Employer
- Indiana University
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Salary
- Commensurate with Experience
- Date posted
- Jul 22, 2022
View more
- Position Type
- Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Chief Business Officers & Vice Presidents, Executive
- Employment Level
- Executive
- Employment Type
- Full Time
Department Information:
The VPUR is the leader of the Office of University Relations. The VPUR’s office is responsible for connecting Indiana University’s resources and expertise with key constituencies in business, industry and government, raising awareness of IU’s critical role in directly contributing to the vitality of the state and nation. The offices of both State Relations and Federal Relations serve as the primary liaison between IU and the legislative and executive branches of government and other relevant units of government.
Position Information:
The VPUR is responsible for directing the University’s government relations efforts at the state and federal level, as well as engaging and exposing the broader Indiana community to the University’s vast intellectual and creative resources that can be leveraged in fostering Indiana’s economic growth. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provides strategic oversight state and federal government relations functions and is responsible for related strategies that advance the University’s mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal officials.
- Establishes and maintains constructive relationships with elected and appointed officials on a federal, state, and local level.
- Apprises the President and senior administration of pertinent legislative issues, external factors, and policy proposals and actions that could impact the University and works to influence the same.
- Serves as the key representative for the University at legislative sessions, before State bodies and Federal agencies in support of institutional goals and objectives.
- Works with lobbyists and legislators in establishing and implementing a lobbying strategy, both proactive and responsive.
- Leads in the development and execution of the University’s strategic initiatives associated with economic engagement, including the management of staff aligned with those pursuits.
- Represents the University’s interests on select boards, commissions and committees whose work is focused on strengthening the economic vitality and well-being of the state.
- Establishes and implements organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies and operating procedures.
- Designs, establishes and maintains an organizational structure and staffing with the necessary expertise to effectively accomplish the University’s goals and objectives.
- Leads and/or participates with senior administration on institutional planning, policy development and problem resolution.
Qualifications:
To fill this position, the University seeks an individual with exceptional personal attributes, including unassailable integrity, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, ability to articulate and pursue a bold vision, a deep commitment to diversity in all aspects, demonstrated energy and work ethic, and great enthusiasm and the ability to inspire it in others.
A distinguished professional record is also a requirement for the position, including:
- BS/BA required, with MS/MBA or JD preferred.
- Thorough understanding of current developments in state and national higher education policy; comprehensive knowledge of Indiana’s government structures and decision-making processes.
- Maintains state and federal public and private networks, including, but not limited to Lilly Endowment, IN Chamber of Commerce, CICP, Commission for Higher Education, and IEDC.
- Extensive experience in non-partisan government relations (local, state and federal).
- Extensive experience in workforce and economic development, including relationships with IEDC leadership.
- Familiarity with higher education and university operations/leadership.
- Leadership experience in managing multiple functional areas.
- Experience in crisis management.
- Experience in directing the work of others, including external partners.
- Record of exercising excellent judgment on behalf of constituencies including large and complex organizations and issues.
- Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards; personal and professional integrity beyond reproach; unquestioned discretion in maintaining confidentiality.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in public and private settings with diverse audiences; ability to translate complex statutory and regulatory issues for a lay audience.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate with a diverse population, and ability to relate well with senior administrators, students, faculty, staff, government officials, and external audiences.
- Ready availability to the President and senior administrators in case of emergency.
- Ability to travel on a regular basis.
- A sense of urgency and responsiveness in dealing with clients and an ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
EEO Statement:
Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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