Director, SSU Institute for Appalachian Public Policy

Salary: $69,380.00 - $78,052.00 Annually

Location : OH 45662, OH

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: POS-755

Division: Executive Affairs

Opening Date: 11/21/2025

Closing Date: 12/14/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Description Summary

The Director, Institute for Appalachian Public Policy's mission and purpose is to develop, implement, and oversee a public policy research apparatus aimed at prioritizing research, data, and recommendations to advance Appalachian Ohio's socio-economic development and public health; develop and implement a public policy internship program for SSU students; and develop and coordinate IAPP Conferences/Symposiums.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS:

Direct the Appalachian Ohio public policy research apparatus

Coordinate IAPP Conferences/Symposiums

Lead the Bears on the Square government and public policy internship program for SSU studentsDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct the Appalachian Ohio public policy research apparatus

Conduct contract, and produce actionable research, utilizing visiting faculty, SSU students, and institute fellows

Interface with policy makers, corporate and NGO leadership at the federal, state, and local level to develop and maintain a dynamic policy agenda involving education, economic workforce development, health care, and addiction/recovery, with future topics to be developed

Deliver research to support SSU and the SSU grants operation, community and regional partners, and contribute to regional and national conversation on Appalachian Ohio topics

IAPP Conferences/Symposiums

Plan and execute all aspects of IAPP conferences/symposiums

Follow up and analyze conferences/symposiums for continuous improvement

Lead the Bears on the Square government and public policy internship program for SSU students

Competitive application in spring to name 2-4 SSU Appalachian Public Policy Scholars

Fall orientation and training program

Spring advocacy visits with SSU leadership to regional, state, and federal government officials

Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to conduct actionable, peer-reviewed research and analyze and evaluate data

Initiative and creativity in project development

Strong project management skills

Ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with university partners, scholars, thought leaders, and policy-makers at all levels

Minimum Qualifications

MBA or Masters in Social Sciences required

5+ years' experience in government relations, state and Appalachian policy in the areas of higher education, college access, rural health care, and rural economic and workforce development issues

Experience and research emphasis in Ohio and Appalachian Ohio is preferred

Shawnee State University offers a competitive starting salary (commensurate with overall qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. See Overview of Employee Benefits for more information. Some of our benefits include:

Paid Holidays

Paid Winter Break in December

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Tuition Waiver

Life Insurance

Retirement Plans