Director for Eastern Washington Community Relations

About the role

The Opportunity: WSU’s Office of External Affairs and Government Relations (EAGR) is seeking a Community Relations Director to amplify the university’s impact and elevate brand awareness across the diverse communities of Eastern Washington. Reporting directly to the Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations, you will serve as the primary liaison to regional community organizations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, and industry partners in coordination with the Office of Corporate Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Drive meaningful cross-state collaboration in partnership with our Western Washington Community Relations Director.
• Cultivate high-visibility partnerships that strengthen regional economic growth, elevate WSU’s institutional story, and champion student success and research excellence.
• Serve as the primary liaison to regional community organizations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, and industry partners.
• Support the work of WSU leaders who hold board seats within these communities.
• Engage with stakeholders throughout the Eastern Washington region, acting as the primary point of contact for local government and Eastern Washington community stakeholders.
• Act as the primary coordinator and point of contact for local government and Eastern Washington community stakeholders while supporting the work of WSU leaders who hold board seats within these communities.
• Facilitate collaboration and support WSU’s presence and engagement within the communities it serves.
• Manage up to 50% travel, involving overnight stays for 2-3 consecutive days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least eight (8) years of progressive experience in higher education in the public affairs field, private business in the public affairs field, or public administration (a mixture of these types of experiences is highly desirable).
• At least three (3) years of managerial experience.
• A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently produce strategic, high-level, and stakeholder-facing materials.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and work successfully with a variety of constituents and organizations.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Eight (8) years of progressive experience in higher education in the public affairs field, private business in the public affairs field, or public administration (a mixture of these types of experiences is highly desirable).
• At least three (3) years of managerial experience.
• A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to independently produce strategic, high-level, and stakeholder-facing materials.
• Ability to build consensus and work successfully with a variety of constituents and organizations.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Pay

$10,350.20 - $11,695.20 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Schedule

This role requires up to 50% travel, involving overnight stays for 2-3 consecutive days per week. Travel will primarily cover the Eastern Washington region.

About Department

WSU Government Relations | Washington State University Area/College: External Affairs and Government Relations Department Name: External Affairs and Government Relations Location: This position is based on the WSU Tri-Cities campus within Richland WA.