Senior Government Affairs Specialist

Position Overview

The Ohio State University’s Office of Advancement seeks a Senior Government Affairs Specialist to manage the alumni government advocacy program. The senior specialist is responsible for leading the university’s alumni government advocacy programs to advance the university’s public policy agenda, working in concert with the Office of Government Affairs. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President, Constituent Advocacy at The Ohio State University Alumni Association.

This position develops advocacy and engagement strategies to support the university’s public policy initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels and works closely with team members in the Office of Advancement, the Alumni Association, and the Office of Government Affairs, including the Government Affairs Vice President and senior leaders. The senior specialist oversees the Buckeye Government Advocates program, which identifies, cultivates, and positions volunteer leaders who engage with public officials in Ohio and nationally to advocate on issues that affect public higher education through individual interaction and university-sponsored events through consultation with university leaders. In addition to this program, the senior specialist will collaborate with staff and programs as determined by the Alumni Association and the Office of Government Affairs. The senior specialist is responsible for supporting key annual events and activities central to advocacy programs.

Excellent written and verbal skills, strong operational and organizational skills, extreme attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal and managerial/leadership skills, and the ability to interact with diverse internal and external constituents at all levels are a must. Expected to exhibit professionalism and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines, and must be team-oriented while thriving autonomously. Exceptional customer service skills are a must, including the ability to think critically and independently, solving complex problems in an environment that demands discretion and diplomacy.

All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness. All members are also expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values, which include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect.

Department Overview

The Ohio State Alumni Association’s mission:

Through time and change, we enrich firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities to advance the university. With a vision of being the heart of the alumni community inspiring and cultivating engaged citizens throughout their Buckeye journeys, our organizational purpose is to build a community of lifelong champions. We represent the alumni association of the future and believe in elevating the alumni and Buckeye community experience.

As an association, we are a shared service across Advancement as the experts in engagement and the constituent journey. We are one team aligning engagement and philanthropy, responsible for creating advocates on behalf of Ohio State. The organization is supported by 60+ employees, a Board of Directors, and an Alumni Advisory Council.

Duties and Responsibilities

30% – Works as part of the Ohio State University Alumni Association advocacy team, focusing on strategic university engagement with alumni. Serves as a subject matter expert. Collaborates closely with the Office of Government Affairs. Exchanges information on sensitive matters and when needed, develops and distributes informational materials. Manages and coordinates projects that advance specific strategies and goals. Cultivates new and innovative ways to mobilize the alumni and other advocates to engage in advancing Ohio State’s public policy agenda. Participates in and contributes to the President’s Government Affairs Advisory Committee, as well as other volunteer leader groups that support public policy advocacy for Ohio State. Works to build consensus and is responsible for making recommendations and decisions with a high degree of independence, using strong judgment, strategic thought, consistency, and discretion, in accomplishing objectives.

30% – Oversees the Buckeye Government Advocacy program in partnership with the Office of Government Affairs and informed by the Vice President of Government Affairs, with direction set by the President of the University and the President of the Alumni Association. Responsible for leading, setting direction, and supporting the university’s grassroots advocacy programs that engage with public officials at all levels of government to advance the university’s public policy agenda. Identifies and implements opportunities to enhance and expand programs and strengthen the university’s relationships with key individuals and organizations. Coordinates and facilitates meetings, events, and activities that involve campus academic members, the alumni association, government affairs members, students, parents, and others. Develops long-term recruiting, training, and communication strategies for advocates, including strategies to support the tracking of interactions and communications within TAS, the university’s customer relationship management system.

30% – Responsible for collaborating with the Office of Government Affairs and for overseeing signature events each year, including the annual Scarlet and Gray Congressional Breakfast in Washington, DC. Coordinates with the Advancement Events Office in planning and execution of events for the Alumni Association. Assists colleagues within Advancement, participating in events and meetings that foster long-lasting relationships with current, former, and future advocates. When necessary and warranted, uses established network and connections to engage advocates with Advancement team members centrally, and in the colleges and units.

10% – Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related fields (i.e., Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Science in Law, Paralegal Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in History).
• Four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Must be able to occasionally work evenings and weekends and maintain a moderate local and national travel schedule.

Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in related fields (i.e., Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Science in Law, Paralegal Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in History).
• Eight (8) years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with managing social media and social networking tools, current advocacy tools, and trends.

The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

Learn more here