Job Title:

Executive Director, Government and Community Relations

Physical Location:

 

Salary:

 

Basic Function:

Serve as Kent State University’s chief government relations officer. Provide strategic leadership in building effective relationships with federal, state, regional and local officials and key community leaders to advance Kent State University and enhance its contributions to Ohio and the nation. Act as a senior policy advisor and strategist. Develop and oversee effective strategies to advocate, enhance and seek support for Kent State and higher education. This position reports to the President of Kent State University.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

 

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Oversee and manage Kent State University’s government and community relations offices in Kent and Columbus. Ensure short- and long-term unit objectives and goals are met; direct/supervise daily operations and staff activities.

Serve as a senior policy advisor and strategist, strategically positioning Kent State University for its greatest impact within local communities, Northeast Ohio, the state and nation.

Develop and implement a system-wide strategic plan in concert with Kent and regional campuses, which leverages all eight campuses as anchors within their home communities and strengthens the university’s position of leadership across Northeast Ohio.

Serve as principal advocacy officer for Kent State regarding local, state and federal legislative priorities; assist university leadership in the development of legislative priorities as well as positions and action strategies on legislation that could impact Kent State or its programs.

Meet regularly with members and staff of the Ohio General Assembly, the Ohio Congressional Delegation, and key state and federal administrative officials regarding the implementation of university priorities and public needs and interests.

Build capacity across university divisions and campuses to advance the broad public understanding of and support for Kent State.

Oversee campus activities and interactions with public officials in consultation with campus and university officials across the Kent State system.

Develop and/or deliver testimony in government hearings and committee meetings.

Assist Kent State stakeholders in expressing their advocacy of the university’s priorities to policy makers. Identify and cultivate allies (both public and private sector) that could be mobilized to assist legislative efforts.

Introduce trustees, the president, vice presidents, dean and other Kent State personnel to legislative, executive branch and community leaders.

Respond to inquiries from federal, state and local legislative officials and/or representatives.

Direct and assist any governmental consultant firms retained by the university.

Attend meetings, receptions, dinners and other functions that promote positive relationships for the university.

Serve on teams and committees within the university and externally to enhance Kent State system initiatives and projects.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (business, public policy or related field). Eight years of professional experience working with local, federal and state legislative processes or equivalent. Must be able to work a flexible work schedule and have the ability to travel including overnight stays with night and weekend work.

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Higher education policy issues *
Governmental structures, policies and procedures at local, state and federal levels*

Skill In:

Leadership acquired in a work environment that administers legislative or government activities *
Formulating plans, strategies and tactics in consultation with key stakeholders *
Strong interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills *
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills *
Working with organizational leaders and other personnel in developing and delivering institutional priorities and messaging *
Demonstrating decision making that reflects good judgment, discretion, personal integrity and ethics *

Ability To:

Work collaborative and effectively with the external community, including legislative and nongovernmental organizations*
Work independently and as part of a team *

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Master's degree.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Light work-Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Incumbent must be able to communicate with others. Incumbent will be required to travel from building to building and off campus on a frequent basis.

Working Schedule:

 

Additional Information:

All applications received on or before November 1, 2025 will receive first consideration.

Value Statement

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.