Executive Director of Government Relations

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Executive Director of Government Relations leads the development and execution of the university's government relations federal and state strategies in collaboration with the Office of Research and Technology Management, senior university leadership, consultants, and staff. This includes overseeing effective policy advocacy efforts with elected and appointed officials and agencies and influencing outcomes by shaping the communication of these developments and opportunities in a clear, convincing, and concise manner. The executive director is an instrumental partner to the associate vice president for government relations in establishing and implementing priorities for policies and programs that support the university's goals, including increasing government support for programs and projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the development and execution of a government relations strategy (legislative and agencies) for the university around priority programs critical to advancing the university's mission. This requires regular collaboration with the leadership, including the President, Provost, Senior Vice President for Research and Technology Management, and the deans. The executive director will champion the optimization of research funding from the federal budget and major spending bills, provide timely information to the associate vice president of government relations and senior leaders, and identify opportunities from the key federal agencies including strategic federal and state research areas and shape potential responses to them. (40%)
• Advise Case Western Reserve University administration and faculty on policy and research at the federal and state level, including providing white papers and other briefing materials that influence the university's response to them. (15%)
• Represent the university's president, top leadership, and faculty in various local, state, and national venues, including industry, universities, consultants, and associations. (15%)
• Identify opportunities for Case Western Reserve University to impact policy or future funding and provide strategic direction on how best to engage in dialogue on relevant issues, including by faculty members providing congressional testimony and serving on advisory committees. (10%)
• Provide strategic support to the associate vice president for government relations in advocacy efforts around policy issues that are important to the university. (10%)
• Lead special strategic projects as assigned by the associate vice president for government relations. (9%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with deans, Research and Technology Management and other senior leaders to develop strategies, provide information and solicit feedback.

University: Regular contact with faculty and staff from the Office of Research and Technology Management, Office of Government and Community Relations, Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and Office of the General Counsel.

External: Continuous engagement with outside legislators and executive leadership at federal agencies to build relationships and understand positions.

Students: Infrequent

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 8 years of experience working in a government relations role or equivalent at the federal level (Congressional office, committee staff, etc.) or as a consultant or association staff.

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Graduate or professional degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to lead complicated initiatives and seek input and buy-in from various stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and solve problems and to work effectively as a member of the University team which includes external federal relations consultants.
• Visionary leader that has a proven track record of providing strategic insight to drive a government relations strategy.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse internal and external constituent groups, and a proven track record in securing federal support for university programs and projects.
• Thorough knowledge of legislative process and expertise in shaping policy.
• Ability to analyze, understand, and communicate complex legislative and policy issues and to balance multiple complex projects successfully.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to influence outcomes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment. Frequent travel required.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.