Director of Local Government and Community Relations

Responsibilities

• Advances the strategic interests of the University of Rochester and builds and maintains close relationships with the Mayor’s Office of the City of Rochester, City Council, Monroe County Executive’s office, Monroe County Legislature, local/regional agencies, and towns and villages.
• Establishes and cultivates relationships with community organizations and neighborhood groups, including regularly attending and representing the University at meetings, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration on local and community issues, community-engaged scholarship, programs and services.
• Serves as a liaison between the University of Rochester and the community, including on local boards, and assists and advises University leadership, students, staff and faculty on a myriad of topics, challenges and opportunities.
• Facilitates meetings as needed with local elected officials and local organizations.
• Develops and executes advocacy strategies and community-building activities.
• Maintains compliance with local and state lobbying rules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, nonprofit management, etc.).
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in public sector, community engagement, government relations, public policy, public relations, legislative affairs, or advocacy.

Qualifications

• The ability to learn quickly and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A clear understanding of confidentiality.
• An attention to detail and ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliverables.
• Experience building partnerships and strategic alliances.
• A sound political judgment and the ability to anticipate emerging government, public or community/social issues of importance to the University, and to position the University to effectively handle these issues.
• A passion for improving the University’s community and government affairs goals through cross-sector partnerships and with key local stakeholders.
• A commitment to helping the University enhance the well-being and vibrancy of the greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier communities, and beyond through innovation, education, healthcare, economic development, the arts and culture, and community engagement.
• A willingness to travel locally and regionally as necessary and ability to work both independently and effectively in a dynamic team environment.

Skills

• The ability to learn quickly and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A clear understanding of confidentiality.
• An attention to detail and ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliverables.
• Experience building partnerships and strategic alliances.
• A sound political judgment and the ability to anticipate emerging government, public or community/social issues of importance to the University, and to position the University to effectively handle these issues.
• A passion for improving the University’s community and government affairs goals through cross-sector partnerships and with key local stakeholders.
• A commitment to helping the University enhance the well-being and vibrancy of the greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier communities, and beyond through innovation, education, healthcare, economic development, the arts and culture, and community engagement.
• A willingness to travel locally and regionally as necessary and ability to work both independently and effectively in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

The University of Rochester offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement savings plan, and paid time off.

Pay

$122,044.00 - $183,065.00

Schedule

Full-time