Director or Senior Director for Legislative Policy

UO HR Website•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Government and Community Relations (GCR) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. The unit comprises approximately a dozen employees primarily working out of Eugene, with additional offices in Portland. GCR coordinates the University of Oregon’s legislative and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, including the university’s sponsorship and community engagement programs, and strategic relationships with companies, economic and business community engagement organizations, corporate foundations, and government groups. GCR’s mission is to build and strengthen relationships with the university’s constituencies and encourage investment in and support for the university, its programs, and its initiatives. State Affairs is responsible for all university matters related to the Oregon Legislative Assembly, statewide elected offices and officials, state agencies including the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, state boards and commissions. Federal Affairs has direct oversight of all university matters relating to the federal government, US Congress, members of the Oregon congressional delegation, other federal officials, federal agencies and advisory boards. This office assesses implications and opportunities for the university of federal legislation and other activities, and develops and maintains close relationships with elected officials, their staff, and federal agency staff to create awareness and generate support for the university’s federal priorities and initiatives. Federal Affairs is responsible for coordinating the university’s responses to policy issues and directs the university’s engagement with federal officials, agencies, events, and activities. The Director or Senior Director of Legislative Policy serves a critical role in advancing the success of University of Oregon (UO), and its students, faculty, and staff through legislative lobbying at the state and federal levels. This position works closely with university leadership to promote the UO’s value and secure sustained and increased investments in public higher education. The director/senior director serves as a strategic partner to both the Associate Vice President for State Affairs, and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations and the Senior Associate Vice President for Federal Affairs in advancing the UO’s legislative agenda and enhancing awareness among lawmakers and public officials of the UO’s strengths and contributions. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for State Affairs, and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations, this position will enhance impact across the State and Federal portfolios by aligning strategy and engagement on campus. In coordination with the Associate Vice President for State Affairs and the Senior Associate Vice President of Federal Affairs, the director/senior director ensures the alignment of strategies and engagement efforts across state and federal portfolios. A key responsibility is working with state legislative staff to monitor and assess legislation, budget, proposals, and agency initiatives to articulate their impact on, and opportunities for, the university.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
Five years of experience in legislative affairs, staff to agency or public official, and/or legislative or political campaign advocacy (for Director level).
Three years of experience working with government agencies, budgets, and legislative processes (for Director level).
Seven years of experience in legislative affairs, staff to agency or public official, and/or legislative or political campaign advocacy (for Senior Director level).
Five years of experience working with government agencies, budgets, and legislative processes (for Senior Director level).
Deep knowledge of political dynamics and legislative process.
Ability to motivate and work well with students, faculty, staff, business and community leaders, and volunteers to build public and political support for the university.
Ability to quickly develop deep knowledge of unfamiliar subject matter and the ability to understand and communicate complex topics.
Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
Ability to quickly adapt to new information and anticipate needs of decision-makers.
Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information and issues responsibly.
Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Demonstrated leadership experience working with multiple stakeholders to advance a specific initiative or agenda.
Knowledge of policies and initiatives involving higher education (for Director level).
Seven years of experience in state or federal legislative processes (for Director level).
Experience working with Oregon policymakers (for Director level).
One year of working with Oregon policymakers (for Senior Director level).
Two years of experience working with policies and initiatives involving higher education (for Senior Director level).
Ten years of experience in state or federal legislative processes (for Senior Director level).

Responsibilities

Advancing the success of University of Oregon (UO), and its students, faculty, and staff through legislative lobbying at the state and federal levels.
Working closely with university leadership to promote the UO’s value and secure sustained and increased investments in public higher education.
Serving as a strategic partner to both the Associate Vice President for State Affairs, and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations and the Senior Associate Vice President for Federal Affairs in advancing the UO’s legislative agenda and enhancing awareness among lawmakers and public officials of the UO’s strengths and contributions.
Enhancing impact across the State and Federal portfolios by aligning strategy and engagement on campus.
Ensuring the alignment of strategies and engagement efforts across state and federal portfolios in coordination with the Associate Vice President for State Affairs and the Senior Associate Vice President of Federal Affairs.
Working with state legislative staff to monitor and assess legislation, budget, proposals, and agency initiatives to articulate their impact on, and opportunities for, the university.