Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

Duties Responsibilities Government Relations Strategy and Legislative Advocacy Develop and lead an integrated state, local, and federal relations strategy that supports and aligns with the Illinois Leads strategic plan, serving as a strategic adviser to the Chancellor and senior leadership on government relations and public policy matters.

In consultation with the Chancellor, Chief of Staff, senior leadership, and the U of I System, develop the university’s annual legislative and advocacy priorities for legislative, regulatory, budget, and stakeholder engagement, and identify opportunities to advance university priorities through legislation, appropriations, grants, partnerships, and public policy initiatives.

External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a senior representative of the university with members of the state legislature and Constitutional officers, as well as members of Congress and local elected officials, government agencies and staff members of these organizations. Represent the university on external state and community boards and groups to make available university wisdom on policy decisions.

Build and maintain bipartisan, productive, long-term relationships with policy makers and public-sector leaders. Leadership and Coordination of Government Relations Coordinate the government and community relations, as well as advocacy efforts across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign enterprise, as well as with the University of Illinois System Office of Government Relations and other administrative units within the System to implement the government relations agenda.

Supervise staff in the Office of Government Relations and coordinate legislative and relationship building activities with other government relations staff across the institution. Interface with advisory committees, serve on university committees, communicate and consult with other offices and university officials when appropriate.

Work with the University of Illinois Alumni Alliance Advocacy arm to coordinate legislative advocacy efforts. Legislative Monitoring, Issues Management, Crisis Response, Policy Development, and University Service Direct continual monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation, trends, and significant issues that could adversely impact the university’s objectives and develop strategies to manage those issues in conjunction with university leaders.

Through the university’s Crisis Management Team structure and processes help anticipate, assess, and manage emerging issues that could impact the university’s academic mission, research enterprise, operations, reputation, and relationships with government officials. Evaluate, formulate, and implement policies; advise and work with department or unit heads to establish and implement policies and procedures relating to the unit and university.

Develop and support strategic planning, vision, goals, and objectives for the unit. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.