Director of Government Relations

 

Job Title:       Director of Government Relations

Status:          Full-time Exempt

Reports to:   Executive Director 

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 10th

Position Summary:

The Director of Government Relations is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of Students United’s comprehensive advocacy program. The Director will provide advice and counsel, and serve as a strategic advisor on legislative issues and will develop strong relationships with students, legislators and their staff, and higher education stakeholders. The Director will serve as a resource for students, legislators and Minnesota State staff and will have knowledge on relevant state and federal higher education policy and proposals. The Director will work with the entire Students United team to implement all student-led organizational objectives.

Position Duties:

  1. Advocacy Program

    • Advocate on behalf of the students of the seven Minnesota state universities

    • Develop, administer and coordinate student-initiated legislative programs

    • Meet strategic plan advocacy goals

    • Implement Students United’s legislative objectives, platforms, agendas and motions

    • Manage Students United’s advocacy programs at the local, state and federal levels.

    • Develop processes to engage students throughout the legislative process through lobby corps and other opportunities

    • Work with the campus committees to achieve advocacy results.

    • Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Director of Equity and Inclusion to implement advocacy objectives

  2. Build Relationships

    • Engage with other higher education stakeholders including Minnesota State, IFO, MSCF, LeadMN and others

  3. Strategic Advisor

    • Provide research, information updates and issue development for students, legislators, and other higher education stakeholders

    • Remain in regular contact with higher education stakeholders to inform them of Students United positions

  4. Research

    • Remain informed on all pertinent higher education issues, including those related to Minnesota State and state and federal legislative issues

  5. General

    • Lead and develop workshops and trainings at conferences and on campuses

    • Attend Students United conferences, meetings, and related events

    • Other duties as directed by the Executive Director

Experience and Qualification Requirements:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree

  2. A minimum of two years of related work experience

  3. Ability to travel

  4. Ability to be flexible and versatile

  5. Willingness to work some weekends

  6. Strong verbal and written communications skills

  7. Comfort with public speaking and leading training sessions

  8. Ability to work with diverse groups

To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and references to our Director of Operations, Kalista Mangahas, at kmangahas@studentsunited.org.