Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations
10003364
Manassas, VA
Classified Staff
Opening on : Oct 22 2025
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Department : Government and Community Relations
Classification : Public Relations & Mktg Spec 4
Job Category : Classified Staff
Job Type : Full-Time
Work Schedule : Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs / wk)
Location : Manassas, VA
Workplace Type : On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility : Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band : 05
Salary : Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check : Yes
About the Department :
The Government and Community Relations unit is responsible for developing productive, mutually-beneficial relationships with business and citizen community groups as well as advancing the university's interests with federal, state, and local governments. The Office of Community and Local Government Relations serves as the lead liaison to the external community. The Office is responsible for connecting and developing sustainable strategic partnerships between the University and local government leaders and agencies; individuals; and business and community organizations. The Office is responsible for sharing the university's strategic plan, initiatives, and many services and resources with the external community.
About the Position :
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 :
Local Government Relations
- Manages and implements 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;
- Assists with Federal and State Government Relations SciTech campus interactions;
- Meets with local elected officials to understand their interests and priorities and shares George Mason resources;
- Maintains 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;
- May include attendance at Board / Council meetings as needed, outside traditional work hours;
- Monitors and shares 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;
- Prepares correspondence and / or talking points as appropriate on behalf of the university and / or Office of the President;
- Strategically attends activities involving local elected officials;
- Identifies and coordinates strategic opportunities for Mason leadership to engage with local elected officials;
- Acquires knowledge of key economic and demographic developments in the region; and
- Tracks outreach efforts and outcomes.
Business Engagement and Partnership Development (non-fundraising)
Identifies, implements and manages 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;Works in partnership with George Mason entities to facilitate collaboration with external partners;Tracks outreach efforts and outcomes;Strategically engages in business-focused events and activities, including Board service; andServes as the university's primary liaison with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.Community Relations
Responsible for 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 nurtures and enhances the university's relationships with local residential and community organizations;Promotes university announcements, activities, services and resources, with an emphasis on showcasing the SciTech Campus' considerable and positive impact in the local community;Serves on internal and external community-focused boards and committees as appropriate;Serves as the primary liaison to the community;Responds to community inquiries and facilitates connections for community organizations who seek involvement with George Mason;Facilitates community-forums as needed to discuss town-gown issues and activities; andTracks 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
Provides outreach tracking / quarterly reports;Represents on university committees and working groups as appropriate; andPerforms other projects as assigned.Required Qualifications :
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; andBasic knowledge of computer technologies. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.Preferred Qualifications :
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; andFamiliarity 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.
Posting Open Date : October 22, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by : November 25, 2025
Open Until Filled : Yes