Director of Local Government and Community Relations

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 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 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 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.

Responsibilities

Direct day-to-day local government, neighborhood, community, civic, and regional relations activities and advocacy for the University of Rochester and its affiliates; Connect the University with its surrounding communities; Build and maintain 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, towns and villages; Establish and cultivate relationships with community organizations and neighborhood groups; Serve as a liaison between the University and the community; Facilitate meetings with local elected officials and local organizations; Develop and execute advocacy strategies and community-building activities; Monitor, analyze and report legislative and regulatory activities impacting the University; Ensure compliance with local and state lobbying rules

Requirements

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; Ability to learn quickly and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment; Excellent oral and written communication skills; 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 ability to anticipate emerging government, public or community/social issues of importance to the University; Passion for improving the University’s community and government affairs goals through crosssector partnerships and with key local stakeholders; Commitment to helping the University enhance the well-being and vibrancy of the greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier communities; Willingness to travel locally and regionally; Ability to work both independently and effectively in a dynamic team environment