Director of State Relations

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

1d•$125,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Government and Community Engagement is seeking a Director, State Relations, to represent Arizona State University before elected officials and policymakers at the State Capitol. Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Vice President for Federal and State Relations, the Director of State Relations will assist in drafting the university’s public policy agenda and annual appropriations requests and is charged with advancing these objectives through the state legislature, the governor’s office and other state government entities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Knowledge of the legislative and budgetary process.
Knowledge of lobbying procedures and practices.
Knowledge of Arizona’s political environment.
Knowledge of management and customer services principles and practices.
Strong communication skills.
Skills in critical thinking and problem resolution.
Skills in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Skills in organization and time management.
Ability to work efficiently, with excellent judgment, and with attention to details.
Ability to quickly respond to changing priorities.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive materials, discussion, activities and initiatives.
Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse political thought.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing the university’s state policy and budget agenda and oversee its execution.
Meet regularly and cultivate meaningful relationships with legislators, staff and other policymakers to communicate and advance ASU’s policy objectives.
Gather, analyze and convey critical information and provide strategic guidance to the university community on trends, issues and political developments that impact ASU or higher education.
Attend and, when necessary, provide testimony at legislative committee hearings, boards and commission hearings, and other key stakeholder meetings.
Meet frequently and cultivate strong relationships with university faculty, including deans and administrators, student and alumni groups and other key members of the ASU community in order to communicate and advance ASU’s mission before state policymakers.
As requested, coordinate and work closely with government relations personnel from other state universities, community colleges, the Arizona Board of Regents and other educational organizations.
As directed, coordinate meetings and gatherings with elected officials and other key policy makers in order to exchange ideas and information about improving education in Arizona.
Coordinates and works closely with external government affairs consultants.
Assist in preparing quarterly and annual lobbying reports.
Perform a variety of related tasks as assigned.