Director of Community Relations

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Department

Community & Government Relations

Time Type

Full time

Work Modality

Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)

Union

Job Description:

Summary

Under minimal supervision, this position works with the Assistant Vice President of Community & Government Relations, and collaboratively with other departments and individuals across the University, to develop and carry out the overall strategy for managing the University’s relationship with the neighboring communities. The position has principal responsibility for the development and maintenance of long-term relationships with neighborhood residents and is responsible for advancing the University’s interests in all areas where they are affected by community organizations or individuals.

Organizational Characteristics

• This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Community and Government Relations.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a communications program to build and maintain a positive image of the University among residents and to promote the University as a community resource. Manage the writing, editing and distribution of the monthly online newsletter, AU in the Neighborhood. Serve as the primary contact for community organizations seeking support from the University for neighborhood events. Serve as the primary contact for inquiries that come to the University through the community relations website, email account, or phone line. Ensure personal follow-up within 24 hours and work with internal departments to ensure a timely and effective response. Establish processes for the University to gather and address resident questions, complaints or other input and coordinate with the appropriate University offices. Serve as the Imperative Manager for the Working with Washington imperative of the University’s Strategic Plan. Represent the University at all meetings of neighborhood associations, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and other community and neighborhood organizations, as appropriate.
• Plan, coordinate and execute events and programs that will both help the local community and promote a positive image of the University. Help to identify and manage special projects, as assigned, which support the University in expanding its outreach to broader sections of the city. Cultivate community relationships to increase awareness and collaborative opportunities with businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and neighborhood and community organizations. Develop and nurture connections with individuals and community organizations that help support and advance the University’s mission and goals. Formulate new strategies for outreach and partnering opportunities to businesses, organizations and other institutions in the immediate area of AU’s main and Tenley campuses.
• Work with the Dean of Students Office on strategies to engage local building managers, property management companies, and landlords to ensure positive dialogue and conflict resolution where there are issues with student conduct in off-campus properties. Supports and expands on the work of the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) as mandated under the 2011 and 2021 Campus Plan and the AU Neighborhood Partnership to promote positive dialogue between AU and its neighbors. Work closely with the AVP in developing and carrying out the University’s strategy with respect to community and city relations around specific University-related matters, including but not limited to the development of and compliance with the provisions of the Campus Plan. Advises University leaders and staff on strategies for maintaining positive relationships with residents.
• Support the Assistant Vice President for Community & Government Relations in serving as the University’s liaison to the District of Columbia government. Assist in monitoring proposed legislation as well as electronic and print media, community listservs and websites, social reports and studies, and other information sources to keep the University informed. Plan actions needed to gain resident support for University initiatives, especially those requiring local government approval. May assist in developing the University's position on issues with local government and government agencies.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

• Full-Time.
• Must be able to attend meetings in the evenings and on occasional weekends and to walk the neighborhoods at times.
  
  

Salary

• $95,000 - $115,000 annually, to commensurate with experience.
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of substantial progressive community and/or government relations experience.
• Requires knowledge of and familiarity with the neighborhoods surrounding American University as well as with District issues, agencies and regulatory processes.
• Enjoys working with people.
• Be community-minded and have an understanding of the workings of non-profit, civic and community groups.
• Be outgoing, personable, and articulate. Good writing, organization and planning skills are essential.
  
  

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master’s degree and experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience with town-gown relations or government related experience a plus.
• Ability to forge effective and efficient working relationships and to function as a consensus builder.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills; exceptional listening and facilitation skills.
• Ability to function in a private sector institution, understanding and appreciating relations with University leadership, alumni, and other important external and internal constituencies and audiences.
• Familiarity with the utilization of social media to help manage and coordinate community relations.
• Team oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent persuasive skills with the ability to be calm and professional under pressure.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
  
  

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.