Associate Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Relations

Job Details

Job Location : Main Campus - Edmond, OK

Position Type : Staff

Salary Range : $99,910.00 - $99,910.00 Salary / year

Job Category : OTRS Classified

Position Classification :

Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visit Why Work at UCO ?

General Schedule :

Typically, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Occasional evening events are required.

Position Overview :

Advances support for institutional priorities and strategic goals with business, academic, community, and governmental partners that benefit the university with City, County, State and Federal governments and partners. Plans and develops university's government relations outreach to build relationships, secure local, state, and federal support. Partners with key stakeholders, state and regional bodies and campus administration as a contact for university's relationships with municipal, county, state, and federal governments. Works with senior leadership, internal and external partners to collaborate, engage and deepen strategic relationships among key stakeholders and agencies. Educates community partners on issues of importance to the University, and University leaders aligning strategies and institutional impact. Represents the university on internal and external committees, attends meetings and conferences as appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned. Reports to the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs and meets regularly with the university President.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions :

• Develops and manages community and government relations strategies advancing the university’s strategic goals.
• Advises the university President and university leadership on government and strategic opportunities and issues; may inform the university’s governing board upon request.
• Advises faculty, staff and students on relevant legislation and policy, as needed.
• Works with Office of Public Affairs staff to track and maintain a list of relevant bills during the legislative session.
• Serves as liaison to community to strengthen partnerships.
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for the university’s government relations and community engagement efforts.
• Interfaces with the Office of the Governor, state legislators, Oklahoma City and City of Edmond elected officials, State Executive Departments, Chambers, and businesses.
• Participates in committees and workgroups for higher education in Oklahoma on behalf of the university as requested.
• Convenes ad hoc committees as needed to formulate strategies, policies, and data to support the university’s position on various matters.
• Creates presentations and drafts government and strategic relations talking points for the university President and other university officials to use.
• Complies with all relevant protocols and guidelines in compliance with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission rules.
• Works individually and collaboratively to engage and build trust with diverse populations of community members, students, faculty and staff.
• Engaging with community and governmental leaders while working flexible, non-traditional hours as needed.
• Supervises Public Affairs Specialist.

Qualifications / Experience Required :

Bachelor's degree and minimum of 5 years of experience working closely with state government, key stakeholders and community partners advocating for the interests of the employing entity. Experience with research, data analysis and fact checking. Demonstrated relationship building and maintenance skill with strong relationships in higher education, and an established network of education and community resources as evident by experience.

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be able to operate a typical motor vehicle.

Qualifications / Experience Preferred :

Master's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Higher Education or related field.

Five to seven years administrative experience developing, formulating public policy and community relations.

Experience in Oklahoma state government and / or an institution of higher education.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

Physical Demands :

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Salary : $99,910