Director of State Relations, Government Affairs

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of State Relations is an integral part of the university’s state relations team. This position reports to the Associate Vice President (AVP), State Relations and along with the AVP, develops and promotes the university's strategic agenda with state government partners; monitors state legislative activity for potential implications and opportunities, develops advocacy strategies, works as part of a government affairs team that serves the university community and assists in facilitating university interaction with state elected and appointed officials and their staff, state agency personnel, other institutions of higher education and various constituent groups. The Director of State Relations must possess an understanding of issues affecting higher education, a keen understanding of state budget and legislative process, strong research, analytical, and communication skills. This position is based in Columbus, Ohio. The Director of State Relations, in coordination with the AVP, State Relations, will advance the university’s state advocacy and lobbying priorities before the Ohio general assembly, the governor’s office, and relevant state agencies. Specific duties include policy analysis, development of briefings and other materials for senior leadership on state issues, and representing the university with state-level stakeholders. Other duties include scheduling, coordination, and execution of meetings and events with public officials, correspondence, and materials prep as needed. Responsible for managing ethics filings with Joint Legislative Ethics Committee. Assists with fiscal and other duties as assigned. Position handles highly sensitive and confidential matters for multiple high-level administrators. All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together. The Office of Government Affairs advances the university’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service in support of the success of our students, faculty and staff as well as the citizens of Ohio. We are committed to developing and sustaining strong partnerships between our federal, state and local public officials. With offices in Columbus and in Washington, DC, the Office of Government Affairs advocates for policies that affect the university including but not limited to student financial aid; research; academic medicine; workforce development, and technology and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• At least four (4) years of experience in legislative and/or advocacy at state level, including but not limited to interactions with elected officials, proven experience of Ohio and national public policy issues.
• Must have knowledge of public relations and familiarity of operation of state government.
• Excellent leadership, organization, written, and verbal communications skills required.
• Must exhibit professionalism and be team oriented while thriving autonomously, and exhibit ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Occasional evening and weekend work and occasional state or national travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in related field
• Direct experience working in state government, such as service in the Ohio General Assembly, Governor’s office, state agency, legislative staff, or with a statewide elected official.
• Higher education policy experience, particularly familiarity with university governance, research institutions, workforce development, capital funding, or state operating and capital budget processes affecting public universities.
• Demonstrated success in advocacy or government relations, including drafting policy analyses, briefing materials, testimony, or talking points for senior leadership or elected officials.
• Knowledge of Ohio’s legislative, budget, and regulatory processes, including the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee (JLEC), Controlling Board procedures, and ethics and lobbying compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret legislation, administrative rules, and fiscal impacts and translate them into clear recommendations for non-technical audiences.
• Event planning experience involving public officials, including legislative visits, campus tours, roundtables, press events, or official briefings.

Responsibilities

• Represents the university on state relations policy, legislative, and budgetary matters before the Ohio general assembly, executive branch, and statewide offices to advance the university’s priorities
• Assists in development of university state advocacy strategies and policy priorities
• Monitors, conducts research, and analyzes state legislation, administrative rules, controlling board requests, and other regulatory issues which may affect the university and coordinates communication with appropriate university departments and officials
• Consults with and advises university faculty, staff, students and administrators regarding legislation and state initiatives
• Monitoring/tracking of state legislation and policy is carried out by attending hearings, interested party meetings, briefings, and other related meetings.
• Provides administrative support for the state relations team by assisting with scheduling, coordination and execution of meetings, correspondences, and constituent inquiries
• Helps to prepare briefing documents, reports, and materials for university leadership
• Assists in scheduling of meetings with public officials and university leadership
• Maintains state database and contact lists, handles highly sensitive and confidential matter
• Prepares Joint Legislative Ethics Committee (JLEC) filings
• Maintains legislative tracking document and updates calendars with all relevant legislative hearings or meetings.
• Leads the planning, development and implementation of campus-related events with state public officials and other external state-related stakeholders as part of the university’s advocacy and strategic engagement agenda
• Serves as the university point of contact for state legislative and executive branch officials and community leaders on university-related initiatives and special events
• other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees