Director of Community and Government Relations - Oneonta, United States - SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta

Verified Company

Oneonta, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Location:
Oneonta, NY
Category:Management / Confidential
Posted On:Wed May

Are you passionate about creating impactful partnerships and building community connections that matter? SUNY Oneonta is seeking a dynamic and visionary
Director of Community and Government Relations to lead the charge in fostering meaningful partnerships and driving positive change in our community and beyond.

Reporting directly to the University's President, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our college town by engaging with local, state, and federal officials, University staff, and community stakeholders.

The mission of the Community and Government Relations program at SUNY Oneonta is to connect our university with the greater Otsego County community and the broader region.

We aim to build proactive partnerships that address shared challenges and seize opportunities, enhancing the vibrancy of our college town.

Our office collaborates with community and campus leaders on issues vital to the quality of life across Otsego County, including infrastructure, sustainability, public schools, economic development, transportation, housing, diversity, and planning.

As the Director of Community and Government Relations, you will act as a dynamic and high-profile liaison, bridging SUNY Oneonta with local governments, community organizations, and individuals.

You'll address a wide range of town-gown issues, challenges, and opportunities that impact both the University and the community.

In this role, you will cultivate and sustain relationships both on and off campus, acting as a key strategist for the President on community-related initiatives.

Your proactive and responsive approach will ensure that SUNY Oneonta remains an engaged and influential member of the community, driving positive change and fostering meaningful connections.

_PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES_

Serve as a thought leader for the University and the community regarding methodologies and best practices in authentic and effective community engagement.
Develop and maintain strong, purposeful relationships with municipal, county, and statelevel communitybased organizations and local and county elected officials. Establish a strategic plan, goals, and expectations for these relationships.
Lead the strategic formulation, advancement, and execution of legislative and government relations agendas.
Understand and effectively communicate the University's mission, vision, core values, and strategic direction to external groups, including key stakeholders and intermediaries. Manage highpriority projects designed to achieve the University's mission and strategic vision.
Work with community action groups to design and deliver projects that help to further economic development and improve the broader community's quality of life. Build relationships and connect people with skills, tools, and networks.
Gather, investigate, research, analyze, and study information affecting Universitywide, intra

- or interdepartmental operations. Research, write, edit, and/or coordinate the preparation of special reports, briefings, and presentations. Conceive, craft, and edit messages, letters, and other communications on behalf of executive leadership.

Coordinate and oversee the scheduling of strategic events, meetings, and other requests to balance and address key institutional objectives.
Build strong relationships with President's Cabinet members, campus decision makers, and a wide range of offices, staff, and stakeholders, internal and external to the University.
Serve as an active and responsive member of the President's Cabinet. Participate in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution. Anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance; exercise discretion to provide timely information and necessary updates across multiple stakeholders.
Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of community relations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications**:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of three years of professional experience in government and/or community relations or other similar external affairs experience.
Demonstrated ability to interact with public officials, and members of the community at large.

Additional:

Master's degree in political science, public administration, or related field.
Demonstrated project planning skills.
Professional experience in government and/or community relations in the state of New York
Experience working with a university's goals, objectives, structure, and operations.
Demonstrated experience with gathering data, compiling information, and preparing reports.
Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects.
Bilingual, Spanish preferred

Preferred: