Position: Vice President, Government Affairs and External Relations

Reports to: President, Alabama A&M University (AAMU)

The Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations for Alabama A&M University (AAMU) will provide strategic direction for its senior leadership team on the state of Alabama, federal and local government initiatives as AAMU strives to be a national leader in higher education and an engaged steward of the greater Huntsville community. The Vice President will build new and support existing relationships with external stakeholders across sectors including but not limited to government, military affairs, business, civic engagement, real estate, and nonprofit organizations while serving as an internal expert on advocacy and external relations. In addition, the Vice President will be responsible for building and maintaining strong ties between the university and local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials. The Vice President will provide strategic vision and leadership to ensure that AAMU is actively engaged with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and strategic community groups. Reporting to the President, this vital role will provide leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of AAMU's advocacy and legislative priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Build and support both the Government Affairs and External Relations teams as they manage daily operations while leading discussions on AAMU's long-term strategic external affairs goals
• Serve as an enthusiastic, authentic, and approachable representative of AAMU to the local AAMU community as well as city and state leaders.
• Build new and support existing relationships with external stakeholders across sectors including but not limited to Government, Military Affairs, Business, Civic, Real Estate, and Nonprofit Organizations.
• Encourage and enhance cross school/cross departmental communication while serving as a resource and providing guidance to AAMU colleagues on the navigation of navigate various legislative processes
• Provide leadership to and works collaboratively with administrative and academic leadership on relevant local, state, and federal issues and legislation, including legislative budget and research advocacy
• Work closely with colleagues in public affairs to ensure clear and consistent messaging of AAMU's strategic priorities
• Collaborate with external affairs colleagues across the country to stay informed of best practices and trends in higher education
• Supervise external consultants who assist with advocacy and legislative communications
• Anticipate external threats and develop crisis strategies
• Address and coordinate responses to challenges to AAMU's operations posed by administrative or legislative actions
• Oversee the design and implementation of policies and programs that enhance AAMU's reputation in the political community

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education & Experience

• Master's degree in a related field
• Fifteen plus (15 ) years relevant experience in government affairs, including strategic leadership and managerial responsibilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The AAMU Vice President for Government Affairs and External Relations should have:

• A deep understanding of the Greater Huntsville and State government structures and processes, with federal knowledge and global fluency a plus
• Passion for serving as a representative of AAMU to city, state, and community leaders
• Experience as a problem solver who can mediate resolutions between differing interests, both internally and externally
• Ability to think strategically, build consensus, influence decisions, manage change, articulate priorities, and execute plans for government affairs and civic engagement
• Exceptional judgment and a high level of emotional intelligence including the ability to observe organizational dynamics and support a positive organizational culture
• The ability to quickly learn a new, complex organization and develop relationships across departments and teams
• Strong communication skills to inform university stakeholders about the advocacy environment, and to partner with and support internal stakeholders without government experience
• A demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, engage and inspire a team including hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing team members while supporting ongoing team communication and cross-collaboration
• Accuracy and attention to detail in managing multiple initiatives and priorities, along with experience in simultaneously implementing projects and events across multiple time frames (short-, mid-, and long-term)
• Strong interpersonal skills as well as persuasive presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to handle highly sensitive information and confidential documents appropriately

SALARY:

The salary for each position is based on the grade/tier in which the position is placed, and the salary within the grade/tier is based on the number of years of related experience or number of years in the hiring rank.

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

Alabama A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Alabama A&M University encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.