The Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) is an association of 18 private nonprofit Minnesota institutions of higher education who collectively educate more than 54,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Minnesota. 

MPCC is seeking a Director of Government Relations to lead the Council’s government relations and advocacy team as we work to expand educational opportunities for tens of thousands of students by increasing college access and affordability for low- and middle-income students and their families through our advocacy for the Minnesota State Grant program, the federal Pell Grant, and other higher education programs and policies.

Position Description

Reporting to and working closely with the MPCC President, the Director of Government and Community Relations leads the implementation and advancement of government and community relations efforts at the state and federal level for MPCC’s member institutions.

The director works in support of MPCC’s public policy agenda focused on need-based financial aid and works on other legislative and regulatory matters that may affect private, nonprofit institutions of higher education.  The director advances the organization’s policy priorities by building relationships with policymakers, the Council’s member institutions and their constituencies, other educational institutions, and education advocacy organizations.

MPCC’s highest policy priority is to advocate for need-based student financial aid, and in particular, to protect and grow the Minnesota State Grant program, which helps one out of four Minnesota college students attend the public or private college of their choice. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree in a public policy-related field is desirable.

• Minimum five years working in the state or federal government, lobbying, public policy, or related fields. Demonstrated experience developing and successfully advancing policy initiatives required.

• Must possess knowledge of the Minnesota legislative process, public policy issues, political environments, and an  ability to communicate effectively with policy makers, elected officials, and private higher education constituencies and advocates.

• Ability to build and maintain external and internal partnerships.  Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to function diplomatically, and a collaborative mindset for working in a team environment.

• Outstanding written and interpersonal oral communication skills, including public speaking experience, with proven abilities/successes in public affairs and political relationships.

• Experience and skills that demonstrate capability to work with senior management from MPCC member institutions, including making presentations, articulating goals and strategies, and organizing and leading meetings.

• Highly organized and responsible self-starter with demonstrated ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously.

• An appreciation of and a commitment to the distinctive character and value of a private liberal arts education and a commitment to education equity is important.

• Knowledge of or evidence of ability to become knowledgeable about public policy issues in the field of higher education, including higher education financing and regulatory issues, and student financial aid.

View the full position profile at: https://www.mnprivatecolleges.org/about-us/job-openings.

The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $170,000.  Excellent benefits including health, dental, 401(k) retirement plan, parking/transit allowance, and generous vacation are provided.

Application process

Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Paul Cerkvenik, President, Minnesota Private College Council via email to jobs@mnprivatecolleges.org  to apply for the position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.