Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations

Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations

The Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in developing the strategic direction of community and local government relations in the Prince William / Manassas region; developing sustainable strategic partnerships and relationships with local government leaders and agencies, individuals, and business and community organizations; developing and / or participating in outreach programs / initiatives and regional economic development activities as appropriate; and sharing the university's strategic plan, initiatives, and many services and resources with the external community. With an in-depth understanding of the SciTech Campus, this position represents the university as a whole to the primary communities of Prince William County, City of Manassas, and City of Manassas Park.

Responsibilities include managing and implementing an ongoing outreach plan focused on enhancing strategic relationships and partnerships with local elected officials, key staff, and government agencies representing the SciTech Campus region; assisting with Federal and State Government Relations SciTech campus interactions; meeting with local elected officials to understand their interests and priorities and share George Mason resources; maintaining ongoing and timely communication focused on individual interests / priorities, university announcements and activities, and the considerable and positive impact the university has on the community; monitoring and sharing meeting agenda items, minutes and / or outcomes from County Board, City Council, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authorities and other agencies as necessary with appropriate George Mason leadership; preparing correspondence and / or talking points as appropriate on behalf of the university and / or Office of the President; strategically attending activities involving local elected officials; identifying and coordinating strategic opportunities for Mason leadership to engage with local elected officials; acquiring knowledge of key economic and demographic developments in the region; and tracking outreach efforts and outcomes.

Additional responsibilities include identifying, implementing and managing an ongoing proactive outreach plan focused on enhancing strategic relationships and partnerships on behalf of the university with external businesses, not-for-profits, and other business-focused organizations; working in partnership with George Mason entities to facilitate collaboration with external partners; tracking outreach efforts and outcomes; strategically engaging in business-focused events and activities, including Board service; and serving as the university's primary liaison with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

The role also involves applying public relations strategies to develop, manage, evaluate and enhance community relations and public outreach programs, services and resources primarily in the Prince William County / Manassas City region; continually nurturing and enhancing the university's relationships with local residential and community organizations; promoting university announcements, activities, services and resources, with an emphasis on showcasing the SciTech Campus' considerable and positive impact in the local community; serving on internal and external community-focused boards and committees as appropriate; serving as the primary liaison to the community; responding to community inquiries and facilitating connections for community organizations who seek involvement with George Mason; facilitating community-forums as needed to discuss town-gown issues and activities; and tracking outreach efforts and outcomes.

Oversight of the SciTech Office of Community and Local Government Relations in collaboration with the Executive Director, Operations, Community and Local Government Relations includes providing outreach tracking / quarterly reports; representing on university committees and working groups as appropriate; and performing other projects as assigned.

Required qualifications include demonstrated experience in outreach and engagement with government and / or community sectors, marketing, public relations, or a related field; experience with high-level executive interaction which may include coordinating public appearances by executive leadership, preparing background briefings, composing talking points, and other communications as required; ability to quickly acquire basic knowledge of the university's goals, assets, resources, and services to effectively and persuasively advance the interests of the university; ability to identify and cultivate strategic external and internal partnerships and resources that will fulfill the goals and objectives of the University's Strategic Direction; effective human relations and customer service skills. Ability to handle stressful situations and people with a positive attitude, while conveying poise and maturity in a polished professional manner; demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail; effective written and oral communication skills; project management skills; ability to assess needs and to develop and implement creative solutions; ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with initiative to perform in the position with little or no supervision; and basic knowledge of computer technologies. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred qualifications include substantial experience (5+ years preferred) in government, community, or public relations, or a related field; familiarity of the local political landscape and communities in the SciTech Campus region; and familiarity of local elected officials and key community leaders.

Instructions to applicants : For full consideration, applicants must apply for Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations at https : / / jobs.gmu.edu / . Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter / Letter of Intent with Resume for review.