Assistant Director of Local and Community Relations

About the Role

At CSUN we aspire to continually grow as an inclusive, cooperative community. CSUN strives to be a destination workplace where everyone understands that they belong to a community vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success for both students and employees, with a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a leader, you will thrive in a community where our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and strengthen relationships with local elected officials, community organizations, and campus partners while coordinating outreach initiatives, advocacy efforts, special events, and strategic projects that advance university priorities and foster meaningful community engagement.
• Represent the Government and Community Relations department and the University at community meetings, neighborhood councils, hearings, and external events related to university programs, policies, priorities, mission, and relevant updates. Bring updates back to CSUN and identify opportunities for partnership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local elected officials and their staff across the region, keeping offices apprised of university priorities, events, neighborhood issues, and identifying alignment with legislator priorities.
• Coordinate and manage high-level institutional projects and initiatives, including campus visits, community briefings, and special events for local elected officials and key advocates.
• Monitor local legislative agendas and identify issues of interest or concern to the university.
• Lead efforts to increase CSUN visibility and branding in the local community.
• Demonstrate a commitment to student success aligned with the university’s vision, values, and priorities. Establish an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.
• Encourage a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the university’s mission.
• Participate in developing initiatives that support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mindset.
• Strengthen employees by being communicative and a talent builder, developing team attributes to further departmental goals.
• Serve as the primary contact for neighbor relations and issue management, collaborating with campus and community partners as needed.
• Be familiar with state and federal issues related to CSUN as they intersect with local and community relations and assist as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a job-related field.
• Equivalent to three years of progressively responsible professional/administrative experience in government or community relations or a related field. Higher education experience is preferred but not required.

Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and goal-driven with the ability to quickly grasp concepts and apply them to work; exercises discretion when handling confidential materials.
• Ability to work as a strong team player as well as independently, with the ability to travel and work evenings and/or weekends.
• Knowledge and understanding of Southern California local government, political institutions, and organizations at the local level.
• Excellent ability to interact with diverse communities and constituents of diverse backgrounds.
• Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills for use in advocacy programs, government relations, issues management, and managerial support.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, planning, and executing special projects and programs.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills, including the ability to make presentations to individuals or groups.
• Strong ability to prioritize, establish timelines, and perform effectively under fluctuating workloads.
• Proficiency in computer software, including Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, fostering an ethical, inclusive, and collegial work environment.
• Ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Experience leading initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented, and communicative approach.
• Commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $80,000 - $85,008 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The position is currently hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days remote); however, this is subject to change based on student and/or operational needs.

Benefits

The University offers excellent fringe benefits.

Additional Information

• This position is designated as a sensitive position by the CSU. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily.
• The person holding this position may be considered a "limited reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083.
• This position is a "designated position" in the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate must file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
• CSUN is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• Applicants may be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative or judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years, and may need to sign a release form authorizing the release of relevant information by current or former employers.
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students accessing campus facilities be immunized against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and follow CDC and California Department of Public Health recommendations.