Director of External Affairs
East Carolina University
Director of External Affairs
Vacancy #: 900011
Recruitment Range: Commensurate with Qualifications
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Organizational Unit Overview
Provide the vision, leadership and support to maximize opportunities for the university and serve the university community. Provide support for the Chancellor in the execution of institutional activities and programs including external affairs and relations.
Job Duties
The Director of External Affairs will report to the Chief of Staff and serve as a member of the leadership team within the Chancellor’s Office. The Director will focus on internal matters of strategic importance to the University and serve as an external liaison for the University with local, state, regional, and national constituencies. This position requires broad responsibility within the Chancellor’s Office in which the employee’s primary tasks pertain to strategic decision-making, communications, and government relations. The Director must be capable of conducting ongoing “issue scans” and identifying opportunities where strategic action is likely to enhance anticipated positive outcomes or mitigate anticipated negative outcomes or perceptions for the University. The Director must provide swift and effective counsel to the Chief of Staff and other university leaders regarding the management of such issues, as well as create communication plans and direct their implementation as needed.
The Director of External Affairs will work with the Chief of Staff to promote effective communication between the Chancellor and key constituency groups within and outside the university. The Director will provide strategic communication support for the Chancellor’s Office and ensure that communication with internal and external groups is frequent, timely, and effective. The Director will work with the Chief of Staff to prepare key messages, presentations, and speeches for the Chancellor to strategically position ECU. As needed, the employee will provide support for personal correspondence to ensure the Chancellor’s voice is consistently used. The Director must be a strong communicator and writer, and have the ability to develop communications under stringent deadlines. The Director must be able to contribute to major issue/policy speeches and public comments by university leaders. The Director should be able to provide input and counsel in responding to media issues as well as to other key internal and external audiences.
The Director works with the Chief of Staff and other senior leaders to advance the Universities’ priorities on both federal and state policy and funding matters. The Director will support the institution’s advocacy efforts with state and federal elected officials including the legislative bodies and executive branch staff. Activities include developing a strategic plan for federal and state relations shaped by annual priorities, and then working to advance these priorities by advocating on behalf of the University, monitoring legislation, and pointing out new ways in which the University can benefit from federal and state legislation or programs. The Director will also work with the Chief of Staff, Health Sciences Division regarding the issues outlined above that are related to the colleges and departments of the Health Sciences division.
Minimum Education/Experience
Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications or related field. Practical experience in the private or public sector in a role related to external relations, government relations, or communications with a proven record of leadership. Experience in relationship building and strong written and oral communication skills are essential. Must be able to handle a fast-paced workplace environment and manage and engage diverse constituencies. Non-traditional work hours may be required.
Qualifying degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions and conferred by the time of hire.
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education
Master’s degree.
Special Instructions to Applicant
In order to be considered for the position, all applicants are required to submit online a letter of interest, a current resume/vitae, and a list of three (3) references including contact information.
Additionally, original official transcripts, a criminal background check, and two (2) signed letters of reference will be required upon offer of employment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions and conferred by the time of hire.
Additional Instructions to Applicants
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.
Applications will be considered until position is filled. Please submit an online ECU application for vacancy # 900011 to ECU Human Resources at http://jobs.ecu.edu.
East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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