Director of Local Government and Community Relations

Director Of Local Government And Community Relations

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

The University of Rochester is seeking an experienced Director of Local Government and Community Relations to join our expert government and community relations team. The Director of Local Government and Community Relations is responsible for directing the day-to-day local government, neighborhood, community, civic, and regional relations activities and advocacy for the University of Rochester and its affiliates. The Director of Local Government and Community Relations connects the University with its surrounding communities, helping to inform, engage and foster ties between the University with local stakeholders to help advance opportunities and partnerships around shared challenges and priorities. The Director of Local Government and Community Relations reports to the Vice President of Government Relations and the Vice President of Community Partnerships and interacts internally with a broad spectrum of university administrators, faculty, staff, community-facing university programs and services, committees, and student organizations. The position is based in Rochester, NY and requires some local and regional travel as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Advances the strategic interests of the University of Rochester and builds and maintains close relationships with the Mayor's Office of the City of Rochester, City Council, Monroe County Executive's office, Monroe County Legislature, local/regional agencies, and towns and villages;
• Establishes and cultivates relationships with community organizations and neighborhood groups, including regularly attending and representing the University at meetings, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration on local and community issues, community-engaged scholarship, programs and services;
• Serves as a liaison between the University of Rochester and the community, including on local boards, and assists and advises University leadership, students, staff and faculty on a myriad of topics, challenges and opportunities;
• Facilitates meetings as needed with local elected officials and local organizations;
• Develops and executes advocacy strategies and community-building activities;
• Monitors, analyzes and reports legislative and regulatory activities in City Council and County Legislature impacting the University and develop associated memoranda, briefings and correspondence; and
• Ensures compliance with local and state lobbying rules.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, nonprofit management, etc.)
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in public sector, community engagement, government relations, public policy, public relations, legislative affairs, or advocacy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The ability to learn quickly and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• A clear understanding of confidentiality;
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliverables;
• Experience building partnerships and strategic alliances;
• Sound political judgment and the ability to anticipate emerging government, public or community/social issues of importance to the University, and to position the University to effectively handle these issues;
• A passion for improving the University's community and government affairs goals through crosssector partnerships and with key local stakeholders; and
• A commitment to helping the University enhance the well-being and vibrancy of the greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier communities, and beyond through innovation, education, healthcare, economic development, the arts and culture, and community engagement.
• A willingness to travel locally and regionally as necessary and ability to work both independently and effectively in a dynamic team environment is required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.