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, celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as an employer of choice. You will have the opportunity to realize personal goals, be recognized for your work, and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community offers. As a leader, you will thrive in a community where leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles.

Responsibilities

• Develops and strengthens 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.
• Represents 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. Brings updates back to CSUN and helps identify opportunities for partnership.
• Serves as primary point of contact for local elected officials and their staff across the region, responsible for keeping offices apprised of university priorities, events, neighborhood issues, etc., as well as identifying places for alignment with legislator priorities.
• Responsible for high-level institutional projects and initiatives, coordinates and manages campus visits, community briefings, and special events for local elected officials and key advocates.
• Monitors local legislative agendas and identifies issues of interest or concern to the university.
• Leads efforts to increase CSUN visibility and branding in the local community.
• Demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission-aligned with the university's vision, values, and priorities.
• Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team.
• Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university.
• Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mindset.
• Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.
• Serves as primary contact for neighbor relations and issue management, in collaboration with campus and community partners, as needed.
• Familiar with state and federal issues related to CSUN as they intersect with local and community relations and assists as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 necessary.

Skills

• Self-motivated, detail and goal-oriented with the ability to quickly grasp concepts and apply them to work; utilizes utmost discretion when dealing with confidential materials.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to work as a strong team player as well as independently.
• 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 skills.
• Strong public speaking skills to make presentations to individuals or groups.
• Excellent ability to prioritize, establish timelines, and perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
• Knowledge of computer software, including all Microsoft Office programs and Adobe Acrobat.
• Lead diverse teams to support the operational mission and vision by fostering an ethical, inclusive, and collegial work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to support ongoing improvement through courageous, resilient, and catalytic leadership.
• Lead varying initiatives through a collaborative, service-oriented, and communicative approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to employee development, recognition, and accountability to further operational goals.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range 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.

This position is a sensitive position as designated 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 is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.