Assistant Director of Federal Engagement

Job Summary

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 state’s 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.

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 can work in Washington D.C. or the Chicagoland area.

Key Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with executive leadership of colleges, universities, federal agencies, NGOs, and foundations that support higher education policy, research, and philanthropic giving.

Research and assist in securing funding opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of CSU and the PBI Coalition.

Monitor and track federal legislation, policies, data, and trends that impact higher education and the university.

Coordinate day-to-day operations and cultivate brand identity for the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions.

Coordinate and facilitate meetings, public briefings, and legislative gatherings.

Maintain a database for points of contact.

Work with marketing partners to develop a logo, web presence (website, social media channels, email address), and communications documents for the coalition.

Write communications (e-blasts, newsletters, briefing documents) to potential and existing partners, agencies, and Congressional Offices.

Research federal and national funding streams for minority-serving institutions and assist in preparing applications applicable to the university and coalition.

Position and advance CSU higher-education, business, community, and mission-oriented goals and strategic objectives.

Produce 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, nonprofit or advocacy organizations, and/or developing and managing partnerships.

Experience working on public policy initiatives.

High ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity, with 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.

This is a grant-funded position.

Preferred Qualifications

Understanding of federal legislation and policy.

Higher education policy expertise.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A self-starter, with the ability to organize and maintain large amounts of diverse information with attention to detail.

Must be able to manage projects from start to finish, demonstrating strong follow-through and appropriate confidentiality.

Experience working with a wide array of functional groups across an organization and cultures, as well as working independently.

Experience working with organizations or individuals to encourage and develop understanding of business implications of public policy.

Excellent personal, political, analytical, communications, and government relations skills.

Annual Salary: $75,000

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