Exec Dir-Govt & Civic Engagemt

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Legislative & Community Affairs, the Executive Director-Government and Civic Engagement provides leadership and is accountable for developing and implementing strategies to:

• Foster working relationships with government officials; monitor, support, and introduce legislation that is beneficial to CCC’s goals and strategic objectives;
• Strengthen CCC’s civic and community engagement efforts and foster students’ awareness of societal issues and issues of public concern; and
• Oversee the administration of the Timuel Black Scholarship & Fellowship Program for emerging community leaders currently enrolled at CCC.

Supervises the Director - Civic Engagement and the Director - Timuel Black Scholarship & Fellowship Program; provides direction and management oversight of programs; and provides leadership for excellence in departmental operations. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Leads and manages CCC’s governmental relations functions to include strategy/policy development and government advocacy activities in collaboration with VC - Legislative & Community Affairs.
• Coordinates with college presidents and senior leadership to implement strategies to increase state and local government’s awareness of CCC’s programs, planned initiatives, and institutional needs.
• Researches higher education and public policy issues; analyzes and monitors proposed legislative and regulatory actions impacting CCC’s programs and funding and higher education in general; and communicates legislative matters to senior leadership.
• Works with lobbyist(s) to foster working relationships with elected officials to advance CCC’s legislative and public policy agenda and introduce legislation beneficial to its mission and objectives.
• Implements strategies to engage external and internal stakeholders in supporting CCC’s legislative agenda. Develops and disseminates key messages to public/elected officials and key stakeholders.
• Provides operational support for stakeholder engagement efforts, including organizing meetings with elected officials, and relevant community groups.
• Accountable for management oversight of Civic Engagement unit. Provides support for building CCC’s capacity to cultivate community partnerships and explore student pathways for community involvement, leadership development, and civic responsibility.
• Works collaboratively with Director - Civic Engagement in developing strategies and providing opportunities for student involvement in civic engagement activities such as individual volunteerism, collective engagement, and electoral participation.
• Provides management oversight of the Timuel Black Scholarship & Fellowship (TBSF) Program.
• Supports the Director-TBSF Program in working with CCC Foundation and district leadership to implement fundraising plans to build long term sustainability for the program’s scholarship component.
• Monitors fund distribution to scholarships to students identified as emerging community leaders and the use of funds for leadership development workshops centered on Chicago history and activism to address social justice issues.
• Drafts position papers, reports, fact sheets and other informational materials to effectively communicate CCC’s views and position on proposed legislation, enacted laws, and government regulations and to enlist support for CCC’s interests.
• Prepares a quarterly legislative data impact report for local and state legislative officials in collaboration with decision support department.
• Responds to inquiries from local and state legislators regarding CCC’s position on various legislative and regulatory issues.

• Participates in lobbying activities, meeting with elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals and advocating for support of desirable legislation. May travel to Springfield, Illinois and/or Washington D.C. for legislative sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To Vice Chancellor-Legislative & Community Affairs

Direct Supervision Director-Timuel Black Scholarship & Fellowship; Director -Civic Engagement

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Master’s degree preferred
• Five years of work experience in one or more of the following areas: government/public affairs, post-secondary education, public policy advocacy, community engagement
• Two years management experience in government relations or higher education public policy development
• A valid State of Illinois driver’s license
• Consideration will be given to candidates with an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Knowledge and understanding of Illinois State and federal legislative and regulatory processes
• Knowledge and understanding of local government and City Council structure
• Knowledge of CCC’s goals, strategic initiatives, and programs
• Skill and proficiency in legislative and public policy analysis
• Demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for institutional needs to elected and appointed officials, stakeholders, and the public
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment
• Must be able to travel frequently to Springfield during legislative sessions and be able to travel between CCC campuses and to meet with elected officials
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.

Thank you for your interest in CCC!

TBD