Director of Public Affairs and Policy

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

Application Process:

Initial review of applications will begin May 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.  To assure full consideration, an application along with a resume/curriculum vita, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and cover letter must be submitted online at http://jobsearch.illinoisstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/516481?lApplicationSubSourceID=. 

Illinois State University:

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State is a co-educational, residential university committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities and promoting the highest academic standards in teaching, scholarship, and community service. Serving more than 20,000 students, our six colleges offer 174 undergraduate majors, 97 master’s programs, 17 doctoral degrees, and 40 certificate options. We have repeatedly been named a “Great Place to Work” by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Illinois State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our mission.

Bloomington-Normal Community:

Illinois State University is in the Central Illinois community of Bloomington and Normal, with a combined population of approximately 132,000, and conveniently located approximately two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis. The community is home to GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, State Farm Insurance International Headquarters, Rivian Motors, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, economic opportunity, and low crime. Please visit the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.visitbn.org and Bloomington-Normal Advantage as www.bnadvantage.com for more information.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer