Director of Government Relations, Outreach

Job Details

Description

Job Function:

In close consultation and coordination with the Managing Director, develop and implement the full cycle needs for the office’s outreach, communication, and engagement strategy. Represent the NCAA on policy matters and engage directly with membership and other policy stakeholders. This position will be based out of the Washington, D.C. office. Current work environment is hybrid; 3 days in the office and 2 days are remote.

Job Responsibilities

• Represent the NCAA in meetings and events, cultivate and maintain close working relationships with office stakeholders such as university government relations representatives, presidents, athletic directors, commissioners, and third-party stakeholders.
• In consultation with the Managing Director, develop and oversee the office’s overall outreach strategy. Identify the need for, propose creative solutions for and manage the full cycle logistics of all office educational and policy programming and events, including Congressional briefings and communications, annual March Madness reception, championship ticket engagement, and other events and activities.
• Oversee and implement the office’s communication needs. Initiate, draft and distribute Congressional and membership communications, respond to membership inquiries, letters, fact sheets, newsletters, and other written materials. Facilitate approval of documents through the NCAA national office. Oversee the technological and administrative needs for all videoconference, webinar and other communications with Congressional, membership and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with national office staff, understand NCAA rules, and proactively stay current with changes in the NCAA landscape. Oversee special projects and assignments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• This position will be based out of the Washington, D.C. office. Current work environment is hybrid; 3 days in the office and 2 days are remote.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in government relations, policy, or communications preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, organizational and interpersonal skills required.
• Strong government relations, policy, or communications knowledge required.
• Must have the ability to work in fast-paced and often evolving environment.
• Must be flexible and maintain adaptability with work hours to address urgent and time-sensitive issues.
• Experience working with federal government, college sports, higher education, or membership association preferred.
• Estimated Travel Required <20%.

Key Competencies

• Effective Communication: Can exchange ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is understood with clarity and purpose.
• External Awareness: Understands and keeps up to date on local, national, and international policies and trends that impact the association and shapes stakeholders’ views; is aware of the association’s impact on the external environment.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to creatively cope with difficult situations, or unusual problems. It is about problem-solving and getting things done in the face of obstacles and constraints.
• Strategic Agility: Sees ahead clearly, can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately, has broad knowledge and perspective, is future-oriented, can articulately paint credible pictures and visions of possibilities and likelihoods, can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.
• Stakeholder Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders, gets first-hand stakeholder information and uses it for improvements in products and services, acts with stakeholders in mind, establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and inclusivity.

Core Values

• LEADERSHIP: We actively listen and continually strive to provide vital solutions, counsel, and advocacy for student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.
• INCLUSION: We seek and incorporate different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and impact.
• COMMUNICATION: We commit to an environment of openness to build trust and make timely decisions.
• COLLABORATION: We work together, based on mutual respect, to lead and serve our stakeholders.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: We take ownership of our actions and results to add value every day.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelors or better.

Experience

• Required: 5 years: Strong government relations, policy, or communications knowledge required.
• Preferred: Experience working with federal government, college sports, higher education, or membership association preferred.

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