Vice Pres External Rel & Comm

Posting Category:

The Advocacy and Community Relations Coordinator works within the Office of Governmental Relations to implement the Illinois Connection legislative advocacy program for the University of Illinois System. This position aids in developing and implementing all strategic goals for Illinois Connection, and will have a very heavy focus on communication development for the office. The position will also assist the federal and state governmental relations teams with their legislative and government relations initiatives.

Additional responsibilities include:

Assist with communication platforms with OGR, developing communication in webtools for events, working with UIF to send communications, etc.
Develop the Illinois Connection monthly newsletter, assisting the OGR fellows in developing the monthly OGR newsletters.
Responsible for updating the U of I System alumni database. This includes coding alumni event participation, alumni status as an Illinois Connection advocate, in-district meeting attendance and updating contact information from autoreplies to mass communications. Responsible for assisting with large data entry projects for Illinois Connection and OGR, usually consisting of checking lists of people for alumni status. Responsible for working with the University of Illinois Foundation on all list pulls for Illinois Connection and OGR communications, including filling out the communication request grids for UIF.
Assist with the planning and execution of legislative events, including receptions in Springfield, Washington, D.C., and Chicago and across the State of Illinois in legislative districts with a special focus on the Chicago area. Assist with all event logistics, including developing invitation lists, drafting communications to invitees, and coordinating day-of logistics.
Plan and execution of the "conversations with constituents" initiative within the Illinois Connection program, including recruiting and preparing IC advocates to speak to their legislators on U of I System talking points.
Assist with e-advocacy efforts within OGR's advocacy software, including developing and executing advocacy campaigns, developing communications for advocacy campaign distribution to advocates, and recruiting alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters of the U of I System to become advocates.
Act as primary liaison for the Student Advocacy Coalition in Chicago including attending student meetings and advising the groups Regularly attends meetings of neighborhood associations, chambers of commerce, city councils, and other vital associations and partners in assigned area. Regularly represents the college at external partner events. Coordinates communications with external organizations in assigned areas.
Acts as a secondary liaison with members and staff of the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board, other elected officials, agencies of the state, and the higher education community regarding legislative matters and U f I system initiatives.
Assist with the development and execution of engagement strategies focused on Chicago and the surrounding area. This includes working with the Asso. Director of Advocacy and the Director of State and Local Relations, including developing a proactive advocacy plan to promote the system's legislative priorities.
Assist the state and local governmental relations teams with lobbying efforts on behalf of the U of I System.
Assist with administrative duties in the office, as required.
Significant travel is required for this position.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, political science, communications or related field bachelor's degree with experience in a related field. Two-three years experience.

Knowledge and Experience:

Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively communicate on behalf of the Illinois Connection program and U of I System Office of Governmental Relations. Familiarity with content development for social media is a must.
Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective work relationships.
Ability to work independently and possess exceptional organizational skills.
Ability to travel per job requirements. A personal vehicle is not required, alternative modes of transportation are available.

Preferred:

Professional experience in governmental relations, communications or in the state/federal government.
Experience working with, leading or advising student groups.
Understanding of major research universities and higher education policy, especially in relation to Congress and federal agencies, to comprehend university priorities, develop effective advocacy strategies and to successfully represent the university?s broad federal interests on Capitol Hill and within the Washington higher education community.

Appointment Information

This is a Academic Professional position(s).

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6 pm on 11/21/2023 or visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/employment .

System Human Resource Services

(217) 333-2600

erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 9000577

Job Category: Academic Professional

Campus Location: Urbana

University of Illinois System

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Advocacy and Community Relations Coordinator