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University of Minnesota

https://government-relations.umn.edu

Assistant Director of State Relations

Description

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 8 years
• At least two years of government, community or similar experience
• Excellent communication skills – interpersonal, written and oral
• Demonstrated track record of building effective working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the higher education environment, including an understanding of higher education policy and governance structures
• Progressively responsible administrative experience, including effective leadership skills and management and organizational abilities
• Personal or professional connection to the University of Minnesota

The Assistant Director will demonstrate the following competencies and characteristics:

• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the organization
• Skilled at effectively and quickly forming a position on an issue, while taking into account multiple perspectives and competing interests
• Demonstrated commitment to critical communications skills, including: flexibility/adaptability, active listening, an ability to understand and incorporate other perspectives, navigating sensitive or challenging conversations, etc.
• Problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and oftentimes rapidly changing environment
• Strong values and integrity, with a commitment to collaboration and teamwork
• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the University of Minnesota

About the Job

The Assistant Director of State Relations is a government relations liaison between the University and the Minnesota State Legislature and Executive Branch. The Assistant Director works with the Director of State Relations to represent the University to the Minnesota legislature; assists faculty, administrators and others in understanding and navigating the legislative process; and advocates on behalf of the University to achieve its legislative goals. The Assistant Director also supports the University’s grassroots advocacy program to increase knowledge about and support for the University’s legislative agenda and other strategic priorities.

The Assistant Director is based on the University’s Twin Cities campus and reports to the Director of State Relations at the University of Minnesota.

The Office of Government and Community Relations within University Relations advances the interests of the University’s five campuses at the capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C., and among city officials, community partners, and neighbors. Under the direction of the Chief Government Relations Officer, it also coordinates and supports the efforts of all University colleges and other units in their relationships with state, federal, and community officials. In addition, the office helps officials from Minnesota and around the nation use the considerable expertise available at the University of Minnesota and learn more about the resources at the institution. It ensures the University has a voice in policy development related to higher education and research and promotes more targeted opportunities to share knowledge and research expertise with policy makers and governmental units.
The Office of Government and Community Relations is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Diverse ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are necessary to create a strong and creative team that communicates effectively to our many communities, on campus and beyond.

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Major Responsibilities:
• Advise the Chief Government Relations Officer, Director of State Relations, and stakeholders on legislative policy issues that may affect the University.
• Organize political support and advocacy for the programs of the University, with primary emphasis on issues related to represented key constituencies.
• Assist with the development of the legislative request and documentation, including literature appropriate for supporting programmatic and capital requests.
• Monitor relevant state legislative committee hearings and working groups.
• Develop and manage the University’s state legislative bill tracking system.
• Prepare and transmit regular legislative updates to internal and external audiences.
• Represent the Office of Government and Community Relations and assigned key constituencies on various University committees and at external meetings and events as requested.
• Organize tours and events on system campuses to connect legislators, staff, and key policy makers to the University.
• Recruit, train and engage University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others in grassroots activities that support the University’s legislative agenda and other strategic priorities.
• Support management of the UMN Advocates website and membership, and leverage software tools to maximize advocacy efforts.
• Works with the Government Relations team to plan and implement a strategic plan for advocacy at the State Capitol.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Appointment

The Assistant Director is appointed by the Chief Government Relations Officer. The position is a 100%-time, 12-month appointment with a one year probation period. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

* * *
ABOUT THE TWIN CITIES CAMPUS

The University’s Twin Cities campus is in the heart of a dynamic metro area that is a global economic leader, a hub for education and culture, and renowned for its abundant cultural and natural resources. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is home to the fourth-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the country, as well as thriving entrepreneurial and small business sectors. Ranked as one of the country’s leading “creative economy” communities, the Twin Cities is renowned for its arts and nonprofit sectors, as well as its many lakes and parks and wealth of recreational and entertainment opportunities. Spanning locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, the UMN Twin Cities straddles the Mississippi River and adjoins a national park.

The University is an anchor institution for a globally competitive region and state with notable strengths in areas critical to today’s knowledge economy—including biosciences, medical devices, and agriculture and food production. The campus is also located in an increasingly diverse region at the heart of an increasingly global Midwest, with 11 federally recognized tribal nations, the largest urban Native American population in the country and growing African American, Latino and Chicano and Asian American populations.

The Twin Cities campus is located on traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. The University resides on Dakota land ceded in the Treaties of 1837 and 1851. The University acknowledges this place has a complex and layered history and is committed to ongoing efforts to recognize, support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.

How To Apply

The official job posting can be found at https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job, just search for job number 342493. Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, August 30. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

 

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

 

 





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