What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Government & Community Relations position at The Catholic University of America?
The Director for Government and Community Relations supports advocacy and engagement of local, state, and federal officials for The Catholic University of America. Reporting to the Associate VP, this position focuses on building and strengthening the University’s relationships with government officials, key agencies, and community-based organizations. The Director will work with external firms, a broad-based set of internal stakeholders across the institution, and alumni and other constituent groups to further position Catholic University as an agent of change and effective implementer of key projects and initiatives that can serve governmental and municipal interests.
Develop and implement government relations strategies in collaboration with the Associate Vice President and University leadership. Coordinates the day-to-day work with the University’s external lobbying firm, including scheduling, creating background materials for member/officials meetings, and arranging for the participation of University leaders as needed.
Serve as a key point of contact for government officials/office staff locally and regionally. Coordinate and follow through on requests for support, involvement or resources.
Represent the University in the community and region, including membership and trade organizations, and support for the University’s work with its corresponding Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). Identify strategic opportunities for community partnership with a particular focus on DC, northern Virginia, and lower counties in Maryland, Montgomery, and Prince George's.
Create and edit presentations, white papers, status reports/backgrounders, and other materials as needed in support of advocacy/policy work. This extends to preparing other members of the team or University leadership for their participation in advocacy and informational meetings.
Collaborate with external lobbying firms to monitor key proposed and recently passed legislation (local, state, federal), determine potential impact on the university, and advise University leadership as needed. Coordinate University correspondence for issues that relate to policy, lobbying, special requests, and projects.
Develops initiatives and proposals to generate funding for various university departments in alignment with government funding, agency priorities, and through the federal appropriations process.
Work closely with the Office of Alumni Engagement and other departments (Politics / Arts and Sciences), to engage alumni in building and growing the University’s government relations work, through networking/engagement opportunities with alumni working on Capitol Hill or in public service, and eventually via creation of an advocacy network. Assist Advancement colleagues with the cultivation of relationships with Catholic University alumni in elected office and other key officials at the state and District government levels.
Other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree with 5-6 years of related experience in government and community affairs work.
Prior experience working in government / sound understanding of the way government agencies (local / DC, state, federal) function, is strongly preferred.
Strong presentation, communication, and organizational skills. An ability to work with and support a wide range of constituents, e.g., faculty, staff, leadership, government contacts, high-level officials, students, and alumni.
Ability to analyze data, understand market trends, make connections, and develop and implement strategies of varying complexity.
A high degree of creativity, energy, and initiative is essential.
Must possess an understanding of the policy-making process and political landscape locally, regionally, and at the federal level. Experience working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and demonstrated flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities is a must.
Develop and implement government relations strategies in collaboration with the Associate Vice President and University leadership. Coordinates the day-to-day work with the University’s external lobbying firm, including scheduling, creating background materials for member/officials meetings, and arranging for the participation of University leaders as needed.
Serve as a key point of contact for government officials/office staff locally and regionally. Coordinate and follow through on requests for support, involvement or resources.
Represent the University in the community and region, including membership and trade organizations, and support for the University’s work with its corresponding Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). Identify strategic opportunities for community partnership with a particular focus on DC, northern Virginia, and lower counties in Maryland, Montgomery, and Prince George's.
Create and edit presentations, white papers, status reports/backgrounders, and other materials as needed in support of advocacy/policy work. This extends to preparing other members of the team or University leadership for their participation in advocacy and informational meetings.
Collaborate with external lobbying firms to monitor key proposed and recently passed legislation (local, state, federal), determine potential impact on the university, and advise University leadership as needed. Coordinate University correspondence for issues that relate to policy, lobbying, special requests, and projects.
Develops initiatives and proposals to generate funding for various university departments in alignment with government funding, agency priorities, and through the federal appropriations process.
Work closely with the Office of Alumni Engagement and other departments (Politics / Arts and Sciences), to engage alumni in building and growing the University’s government relations work, through networking/engagement opportunities with alumni working on Capitol Hill or in public service, and eventually via creation of an advocacy network. Assist Advancement colleagues with the cultivation of relationships with Catholic University alumni in elected office and other key officials at the state and District government levels.
Other duties as assigned.
Bachelor's degree with 5-6 years of related experience in government and community affairs work.
Prior experience working in government / sound understanding of the way government agencies (local / DC, state, federal) function, is strongly preferred.
Strong presentation, communication, and organizational skills. An ability to work with and support a wide range of constituents, e.g., faculty, staff, leadership, government contacts, high-level officials, students, and alumni.
Ability to analyze data, understand market trends, make connections, and develop and implement strategies of varying complexity.
A high degree of creativity, energy, and initiative is essential.
Must possess an understanding of the policy-making process and political landscape locally, regionally, and at the federal level. Experience working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and demonstrated flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities is a must.