Government Relations Officer

Community College of Philadelphia


General Description
Success starts at Community College of Philadelphia. Innovators and difference makers work at Community College of Philadelphia. Diversity thrives at Community College of Philadelphia. We are a college that is committed to promoting a work environment that attracts and retains talented and diverse faculty and staff. We challenge each other and ourselves to achieve at the highest level while contributing to the mission of the College and the betterment of Philadelphia. We value and support an intellectually dynamic community to prepare our students for global citizenship. Join us and become a part of a community that has long been and will continue to be generators of generational chance in this city and beyond.

Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals.

Reporting directly to the President, the Government Relations Officer provides leadership in the development and implementation of legislative and governmental relations strategies that align with and advance the College's mission, strategic direction and key institutional priorities. This position monitors, analyzes and interprets government policies, and evaluates the potential impact to the College's operations, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that the College's public policy interests are being promoted in a strategic and comprehensive manner.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of legislative and governmental relations strategies that align with and advance the College's mission, strategic direction and key institutional priorities as established by the College's President.

• Advance the College's priorities at the legislative, executive, regional, state and local levels of government by working with elected and key appointed officials, and their staff to drive and implement the College's policy ideas into policies and legislation.
• As directed by the President, represent the College with members of Congress, federal and local government administrators, governors, county executives, and mayor, including establishing and maintaining relationships with officials at all levels of government and their staff.
• Monitor, analyze and interpret government policies and evaluate the impact to the College's operations.
• Conduct communications and interact with government officials and agencies on behalf of the College.
• In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications department, assist in the development of policy reports and rapid-response documents in a manner that makes them relevant to applicable government officials, committees and agencies, and community based groups.
• Serve as a liaison between the legislative entities and the College, and provide coordination for any related queries.
• Plan and execute events and other activities to support the College's government relations goals, and oversee all lobbying and advocacy efforts to promote the College's priorities before federal agencies to ensure coordinated messaging.
• Actively participate as the College's representative for relevant national associations.
• Review internal policies, plans, and programs to ensure consistency with corresponding government regulations and laws.
• Provide the President and the Executive team with regular reports on opportunities and legislation affecting College policies.
• Collaborate with key internal departments on College-wide priorities that align or intersect with government and community relations.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals, and core values of the College.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Any and all degrees must be from a recognized institutional accreditor.
• Related experience at a senior leadership level required.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills required.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes; public affairs principles and practices required.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Ability to travel, as needed, required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels within the College required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence elected officials, policymakers, agency heads, program managers, and external stakeholders required.
• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college staff and students required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in governmental relations, public relations or a closely related field preferred.

• Related experience at a senior leadership level within higher education preferred.

• Strong appreciation and understanding of the mission and role of community colleges preferred.

Work Location
Main Campus

Benefits
"Success Starts Here" is our message to the Philadelphia community - and at Community College of Philadelphia, we recognize that our success as a college and the success of our students starts with our employees. Our employees are vital to our success. Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive offer of benefits that are unrivaled by most.

Our benefits include:

• 100% College-paid medical, dental and prescription drug for employees and all of their eligible family members
• College-paid life and disability insurance
• College closes for Winter Break the week between Christmas and New Years and for a week in March for Spring Break
• College operates on a 4-day work week during the summer months (off on Fridays)
• Most employees work from home one day each week
• Tuition remission (for classes at the College)
• Forgivable tuition loan (for classes at any accredited academic institution)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% College contribution
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation plus holiday and personal time off

Special Instructions to Applicants
THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR PARTIAL REMOTE WORK

• Interested persons should complete an online application.
• Cover letter of interest and CV/resume REQUIRED .
• Name and contact information for three (3) references REQUIRED .
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. Community College of Philadelphia is an affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access employer.

The Community College of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Grade or Rank
7

Salary Range
$99,490 - $164,110

Job Posting Open Date
01/31/2023

Type of Position
Administrator

Employment Status
Full-Time
Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents
• References

PI202634408