Associate Vice President, Government Affairs

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Job Title:

Associate Vice President, Government Affairs

Department:

Government Affairs General

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Government Affairs, the Associate Vice President for Local and Community Relations serves as the university’s primary liaison to local government and community stakeholders. This strategic leadership role is responsible for cultivating and sustaining meaningful relationships with local officials, civic leaders, and community organizations to advance the university’s mission and priorities. The AVP proactively engages in local legislative and regulatory matters, advises senior leadership—including the President—on local policy developments, and drives initiatives that enhance the university’s visibility, reputation, and impact within the community. Through high-level strategy development and collaborative partnerships, this role plays a critical part in strengthening goodwill, fostering mutual trust, and positioning the university as a vital community partner.

Department Overview

The Office of Government Affairs advances the university’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service in support of the success of our students, faculty and staff as well as the citizens of Ohio. We are committed to developing and sustaining strong partnerships between our federal, state and local public officials. With offices in Columbus and in Washington, DC, the Office of Government Affairs advocates for policies that affect the university including but not limited to student financial aid; research; academic medicine; workforce development, and technology and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

70%

As a senior member of the government affairs team, represents the university in local government and the greater Columbus community as a high level strategic partner; In alignment with internal university departments develops proposals and identifies, develops and coordinates interactions with local government and community organizations to enhance support for higher education and the overall mission, goals and objectives of the university; Supports and advises the President and other senior university leaders in advancing priorities with local government and community partners; Establishes and maintains relationships with community leaders and varied constituency groups; Represents the university on local boards, committees and ad hoc groups; Monitors, researches and/or analyzes local government legislative and regulatory issues, policies and proposals which may affect the university; Stays abreast of emerging issues in community development; prepares periodic reports and presentation materials; Maintains knowledge of current political, economic and social issues affecting the university; Collaborates with other higher education institutions, associations, and coalitions; Ensures compliance with lobbying regulations and reporting requirements; Supports university projects (e.g., new campus developments) by facilitating local approvals, permits, and community support; Briefs stakeholders on key legislative or policy issues relevant to university operations; Maintains a calendar of local policy deadlines, elections, and meetings relevant to the institution; Works closely with the university’s state and federal relations offices to ensure coordinated advocacy across all government levels; Contribute to institution-wide government relations strategies.

20%

Manages and directs the Government Affairs Analyst for Local and Community Relations; Directs research and oversees development of briefings for senior leaders on issues and engagements with local officials and community partners. Provides strategic direction for the execution of events, tours, and engagement within the local community; Recruits, trains, evaluates, motivates, and coaches employee(s) of various backgrounds and identities; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent and fair judgement in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.

10%

Coordinates with other units on campus that engage with local and community partners, including but not limited to the Office of Outreach and Engagement, Planning and Real Estate, Wexner Medical Center, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Economic Development, Extension, and Regional Campuses; Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

12 years of experience in local government and community relations

Demonstrated experience working with local government officials, agencies, and community stakeholders

Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, problem solving, written and verbal communication skills

Proven track record of managing complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders

Desired Qualifications (We’re committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

Master’s degree in public administration, political science, law, higher education administration, or a related field

15 or more years of relevant experience preferred

Familiarity with higher education policy, including funding, regulation, and public accountability

Supervisory experience or oversight of staff and budgets

Experience organizing or participating in lobbying efforts, public hearings, or stakeholder meetings

Demonstrated success in community relations, public outreach, and coalition-building

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: Careers at Ohio State.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

Additional Information:

To learn more about the Office of Government Affairs, please visit govrelations.osu.edu.

The posting range for this position is $163.3k-$213.5k. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Function: Legal and Compliance

Sub-function: Government Affairs

Career Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized

Career Level: S6

Location:

University Square South (1032)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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