Job Description
Chicago State University (CSU) is the only U.S. Department of Education designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois, playing a critical role in the socioeconomic and racial diversity of the states and nation’s workforce.
Additionally, CSU is a founding coalition member of the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions, alongside the University of Baltimore. The Coalition is committed to raising awareness of the need to enhance support for our nation’s Black students and the critical role Predominantly Black Institutions play in closing the opportunity divide for Black communities.
The Assistant Director of Federal Government Affairs will support the advancement of CSU’s higher education, government affairs, business, community and strategic goals with federal and national partners. Additionally, the Assistant Director will oversee CSU’s role in advancing the National PBI Coalition as a founding member and steering committee. The Assistant Director must have excellent communication skills and a proven track record in managing partnerships.
Additionally, successful candidates function well in collaborative environments and are highly organized, detail-oriented with the ability to logistically outline and manage complex projects with a variety of stakeholders. Finally, the individual must have excellent communication
This position will work closely with the Director of Community and Government Affairs and will require travel up to two times per month. The Assistant Director may be based in Washington D.C. or the Chicagoland area.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Building and maintaining relationships with executive leadership of colleges, universities, federal agencies, NGOs and foundations that support higher education policy, research and philanthropic giving
- Researching and assistance in securing funding opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of CSU and the PBI Coalition.
- Monitoring and tracking federal legislation, policies, data, and trends that impact higher education and the university
- Coordinating day-to-day operations and cultivating brand identity for the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions.
- Coordinating and facilitating the meetings, public briefings, and legislative gatherings
- Maintaining a database for points of contacts
- Working with marketing partners to develop a logo, web presence (website, social media channels, email address), and communications’ documents for the coalition.
- Writing communications (e-blasts, newsletters, briefing documents) to potential and existing partners, agencies and Congressional Offices.
- Researching federal and national funding streams for minority serving institutions and assisting in preparing applications applicable to the university and coalition.
- Positioning and advancing CSU higher-education, business, community and mission-oriented goals and strategic objectives.
- Producing position papers and fact sheets on legislation and government rules and regulations related to CSU’s work
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree;
- 3-5 years of experience building and working with coalitions or advocacy organizations on policy and government affairs matters;
- Experience with federal policy
- High ethical conduct, confidentiality and integrity and an excellent professional reputation.
- Available for local, regional and national travel.
- Available for travel, evening and weekend hours.
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of federal higher education legislation and policy.
- Comfortable working with a wide array of functional groups across an organization and cultures as well as working independently.
- Excellent personal, political, analytical, communications and government relations skills