Executive Director, Government & Strategic Relations

Overview

The Executive Director, Government & Strategic Relations serves as a trusted advisor to the President, advancing institutional priorities through stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and coordination of mission-aligned initiatives. This role serves as a key bridge between the College and external stakeholders, including local, state, and federal public officials; community leaders; business and industry partners; higher education partners; and other strategic constituents. In addition, the Executive Director collaborates with leaders across the College to coordinate high-priority projects, partnerships, and initiatives that span multiple divisions and stakeholder groups.

 

Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree Public Policy, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Education or related discipline; or bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant work experience directly related to position requirements. Required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• PA Lobbyist Registration - Department of State (This may be determined a requirement of the role in the future). Preferred
• Valid and in State Valid Driver License. Required

EXPERIENCE

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government, higher education, public policy, community relations, economic development, nonprofit, or related fields. Required

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Required
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead groups and foster an environment of teamwork and collaboration in complex organizational environments. Required
• Exceptional political acumen and understanding of governmental processes. Required
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in highly sensitive situations Required
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. Required
• Demonstrated ability to influence and coordinate across organizational boundaries without direct authority Required
• Experience coordinating complex projects and initiatives involving multiple stakeholders. Required
• Effective and strategic community involvement. Required
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills. Required
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Pennsylvania and periodically out of state, including Washington, D.C., and other locations, and to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of College initiatives and stakeholder events. Required

 

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and a member of the President’s Cabinet.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and advise the President on potential implications and opportunities for the College.
• Coordinate the College’s government relations strategy in partnership with Penn State’s Office of Government & Community Relations (OGCR), and internal stakeholders; manage College-contracted advocacy services.
• Cultivate relationships with elected officials, government agencies, economic development organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Help secure and lead meetings, campus visits, events, and other engagement opportunities involving public officials and strategic external partners.
• Collaborate with leaders across the College to advance priorities aligned with the strategic plan.
• Serve as the President’s representative on designated projects, committees, and external engagements.
• Advise and engage in campus planning.
• Partner with College leaders to identify, develop, and advance opportunities that strengthen institutional impact and visibility.
• Exercise leadership and judgment analyzing both challenges and opportunities, identifying College-wide impacts and assist the Strategic Marketing & Communications (Marcom) team with coordinated responses, as necessary.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between the College and external constituencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, serving as a resource and point of contact, as designated by the President, to help resolve issues and advance strategic objectives.
• Ensure timely filing of the College's Pennsylvania lobbying registration (Principal) and disclosures per Title 65, including filings by College-contracted lobbyists, along with any federal disclosures.
• Lead and direct special projects as assigned by the President.
• Promote and enhance the College’s reputation and visibility throughout the region and Commonwealth.
• Review, analyze, and draft legislative and policy proposals, position statements, briefing materials, and related communications in support of the College's strategic priorities.
• Represent the College at local, state, and federal meetings, legislative events, and stakeholder engagements, including travel throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and periodic travel to Washington, D.C. and other locations as needed to support institutional priorities.

Physical Standards and Special Job Features

None

Pay Transparency

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

College Statement

This is not a complete itemization of all facets of this position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The College has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

EEO Statement

Penn College is committed to equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

 

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Job Code

L824