Assistant Vice President for State Affairs

Assistant Vice President for State Affairs

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2022-15949
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Communications and Public Relations

Princeton University

Overview

Princeton University – a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation’s service and the service of humanity – seeks a proactive and experienced public affairs leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for State Affairs https://stateaffairs.princeton.edu/. The AVP will join Princeton at an exciting and important time, as the University continues to advance progress on a number of key institutional priorities, including increasing the size of the undergraduate student body, expanding college access and opportunity, cultivating ties to New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, and building on excellence in a range of critical fields, such as data science, bioengineering, and the environment.

Reporting to the Vice President and Secretary, the Assistant Vice President for State Affairs (AVP) develops and implements strategies for representing the University's interests and concerns at the state level, and proactively identifies opportunities to advance key institutional priorities in collaboration with a broad range of campus and state partners. The AVP has primary responsibility for maintaining and cultivating strong and mutually beneficial relationships with state government officials, legislators and staff, policy and opinion leaders, advocacy organizations, and others. The AVP will join a strong and collaborative team of leaders from multiple University units—including those overseeing community and regional affairs, federal government affairs, and communications—who work in close partnership to advance Princeton’s teaching and research mission and advocate for higher education more broadly. This role will proactively monitor, evaluate, and anticipate state issues of importance to the University. The AVP is responsible for developing strategies for representing the University's interests and concerns, and addressing issues that impact Princeton's teaching and research mission. The AVP will manage a three-person staff in the Office of State Affairs, including the Associate Director for State Government Relations, the Associate Director of Outreach and Communications, and the Office Manager. The role will be responsible for creating an ethos of teamwork and collaboration in the office.

This individual will maintain regular communication with on-campus partners regarding state government initiatives, including legislative and regulatory proposals. The AVP will work in partnership with a broad range of external stakeholders to advance Princeton's mission and goals, serving as a strong advocate for Princeton and higher education.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include:

Develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with state legislators and staff, state agency staff, advocacy group partners, and other leaders throughout the state; manage outreach and communication efforts with NJ public officials, policy makers, opinion leaders and other state-based higher education, business, and government officials.

Lead efforts to increase and foster positive collaborations and mutual understanding between the University and state partners. This will involve creating and implementing long-term strategies through which Princeton, advances shared priorities with state partners, simultaneously enhancing the vibrancy and quality of life for those who live, work, learn, and innovate in New Jersey.

Provide informed, thoughtful and timely guidance to senior University leadership regarding issues and opportunities throughout the state.

Ensure close collaboration with colleagues in a range of external-facing units on campus, including those focused-on community and regional affairs, federal affairs, and communications.

In partnership with a range of key internal colleagues, identify and facilitate engagement with a range of external stakeholders and partners, including government officials, nonprofits, industry, foundations, cultural institutions and other civic leaders to advance key institutional priorities.

Qualifications

Candidate traits and qualifications for the role include:

First-hand knowledge of the State of New Jersey and New Jersey state government.

Significant experience working on state policy issues.

Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of relevant work experience.

Belief in and commitment to Princeton's teaching and research mission and the role the University plays within the state of New Jersey.

Effective management skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, work independently and exercise discretion, and to consult widely and build consensus.

Strong communication skills including an ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in public, in discussions with state officials and with the press, in writing, and in other settings.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to interact with all levels of the University and with external partners with discretion, tact, patience and professionalism.

Creativity in seeking solutions to challenging problems, a willingness to listen and learn.

Flexibility; resourcefulness, adaptability to changing needs and demands; willingness to work long hours and on weekend/evenings as circumstances require.

Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to build relationships with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The ability to learn quickly, to appreciate the breadth of University research, to discern impact and innovative potential.

The ability to communicate persuasively and effectively, both orally and in writing, to a diverse range of constituencies, including elected officials, state agencies and departments, faculty, investors, alumni, entrepreneurs, and trustees.

Contact information:

Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the application process on the Princeton careers page and email their resume to the Russell Reynolds Associates team at PrincetonStateAffairs@russellreynolds.com

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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