State Office Administrator 17/ Director of External Affairs

State of Michigan•Various, MI

17h

About The Position

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) seeks a Director of External Affairs, classified as a State Office Administrator 17. MSHDA partners to provide quality affordable housing solutions in support of communities throughout Michigan. The role provides direction and support to the Communications Office and the Office of Market Research, and oversees the Authority’s legislative strategy and activities. The Director develops and sustains effective working relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, media professionals, and stakeholders in the housing ecosystem. Competitive candidates will demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and relationship-building abilities, as well as thorough knowledge of legislative policy. A remote or hybrid schedule may be possible based on performance and operational needs, but all work must be performed in Michigan. Employees who reside outside Michigan must relocate to Michigan to perform the job. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume detailing relevant training and experience; applicants who do not attach both may be screened out. Newly hired state employees must pass a pre-employment drug test. MSHDA positions also require a state criminal background check and are subject to the agency’s Ethical Standards, Conduct and Disclosure of Interest Policy, including disclosure of personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties. Employment offers remain conditional pending eligibility results from the background check, financial disclosure review, and drug test.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: completion of high school or equivalent and two years of experience in a supervisory or advanced-level safety and regulatory or law enforcement role; or a bachelor’s degree in any major and at least two years of experience as a professional manager or program/staff specialist, or equivalent experience.
Demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrate strong leadership and relationship-building characteristics.
Possess thorough understanding and knowledge of legislative policy.
Submit a cover letter and resume detailing relevant training and experience, including specific duties, duration in roles, and how applicable education and training relate to the position.
Pass a pre-employment drug test and state criminal background check, and satisfy the financial disclosure review and applicable eligibility requirements.
Perform all work in Michigan; applicants residing outside Michigan must relocate to Michigan.

Responsibilities

Provide direction and support to the Communications Office and the Office of Market Research.
Lead the Authority’s legislative strategy and activities.
Develop and sustain effective working relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, media professionals, and stakeholders in the housing ecosystem.