Visiting Assistant Director, Local and State Relations

Vice Pres External Rel & Comm
Hybrid - Work Model
Posting Category:

Under the direction of the Director of Local and State Relations, the Assistant Director of Local and State Relations helps to develop strategies in building strong relationships and partnerships with key external groups, organizations, and individuals throughout the Chicagoland area that advance the University System's goals and initiatives; helps to develop and identify new opportunities related to these efforts; helps to plan and execute special projects involving Chicagoland leaders, their staff and other constituents, including state leaders in Chicago; assists in cultivating a pool of stakeholders willing to support and advocate for the University of Illinois System and other Chicago activities to include the Discovery Partners Institute; represents the University System to the community at large through the development and maintenance of relationships with key community groups, external agencies, and/or other interested parties, while working with other Chicago based external relations units.

Additional responsibilities include:
1. Collaborates and works with all university and system offices and initiatives in Chicago to promote
cohesiveness in the U of I System's Chicago work and presence.
2. Assists in the development and the implementation of strategies and policies to advance the
System's objectives and strengthen its relationships with local and state elected officials and
government agencies in the City of Chicago and surrounding area by convening and coordinating
other university external relations work in Chicago.
3. Serves as a secondary key point of contact for Chicagoland businesses, institutions, associations and
others in the assigned area. Initiates and supports opportunities for them to be engaged in university
programs and initiatives, engages them in university issues or changes affecting them, addresses
their concerns, and identifies areas of support and collaboration.
4. Acts as a secondary liaison to the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board, Chicago based state
legislators, other elected officials, agencies of the state, and the higher education community in
regard to legislative matters.
5. Generates new ideas and initiatives to enhance the scope and effectiveness in Chicago, with a
special emphasis on the Discovery Partners Institute and its goals regarding Chicago community
relations.
6. Helps to plan and implement events and other activities to support the U of I System's goals, such as
town halls, news conferences, campus visits, and University of Illinois Chicago caucus meetings for
legislators in Chicago.
7. Ensures timely completion of projects and events within budget. Oversees all aspects of specified
projects; sets deadlines, assign responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of projects.
Reports to leadership regarding status of projects.
8. Responds to requests for information from local officials regarding University programs, policies or
procedures.
9. Provides assistance/consultation on Chicago issues to faculty and staff within individual universities.
10. Strategically serves as a representative on internal and external boards and committees to build
relationships with stakeholders and support system priorities.
11. Other duties appropriate for a Assistant Director of Local Relations.
12. This position is hybrid. Will be expected to attend in person meetings and events when needed.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications or related field.
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in public and/or government affairs
Knowledge and Experience:
1. Five or more years of experience in public affairs or community relations. 2. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of city and county government. 3. Previous community, corporate or civic relations experience. 4. Strong communication, interpersonal and administrative skills. 5. Experience in the management of public affairs or community relations. 6. Leadership and strategic planning experience. 7. Problem solving, strategic resource development, crisis management, operations management, strategic planning, project and event management abilities. 8. Ability to work independently and possess exceptional organizational skills. 2 9. A self-starter with an ability to work independently and to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments. 10. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet deadlines while staying on task with daily assignments

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Appointment Information
Full Time 12 month Academic Professional position(s).

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6 pm on 3/11/2024 or visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/employment.

System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: req1933
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Chicago