Director of External Affairs

General Statement of Duties

Reporting directly to the University’s General Counsel, the Director of External Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen relationships with local government, community organizations, businesses, and residents. This role represents the University and the President and, on her behalf, will serve as a key liaison between Framingham State University and the surrounding community, fostering meaningful partnerships, supporting civic engagement initiatives, and advancing the University’s mission for public good.

Supervision Received

Supervised by the General Counsel

Supervision Exercised

No direct reports currently assigned

Examples of Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government officials, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Act as a first point of contact and clearinghouse for inquiries from external entities seeking to make a new connection with the University.
• Lead initiatives that promote collaboration between the University and the local community, addressing shared challenges and opportunities.
• Represent the President and University in community meetings, forums, and events to ensure a strong institutional presence.
• Act as a campus point person for notable guests and visitors to campus.
• Identify and facilitate opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage in meaningful community service, research, and outreach programs.

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Facilitate a comprehensive community engagement strategy aligned with the University’s mission, values, and goals.
• Collaborate with and support the University’s Centers that support economic development, social impact, and educational initiatives in the surrounding community.
• Track and assess the effectiveness of engagement efforts and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.

Government & Public Affairs

This position does not lead government affairs efforts; however, as a part of University government affairs infrastructure, this position may:

• Serve as a liaison between the University and local government agencies on community-related issues.
• Monitor policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels that may impact the University’s community engagement efforts.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit both the University and the broader community.

Communication & Outreach

• Develop outreach strategies to share the University’s community impact efforts with internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with the University’s communications team to produce reports, newsletters, and digital content highlighting community engagement initiatives.
• Act as a spokesperson on community relations matters when appropriate.

Build Community

• Work closely with peers in the local, Commonwealth, and federal communities, developing trusting and cooperative relationships with faculty, staff, and key members of external community organizations, including federal, state, and local government officials.
• Work jointly with external organizations to explore funding opportunities and information about funders, and work to ensure good information sharing, cooperation, and collaboration rather than competition.

This position is responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the University community; and is accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

Working Conditions

• This position requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed.
• Travel within the local community and occasional regional/national meetings may be required.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public affairs, communications, higher education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in community engagement, government relations, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of local government processes, public policy, and community development best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across university departments and external organizations.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public affairs, communications, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or a similar institutional setting.
• Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising for community programs.
• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Portuguese are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, non-unit position. The salary range is $95,000–102,000.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/JWwZRrUQnAKYeIZO2c2Gkn