GA - Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison (25552)

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce seeks a graduate assistant to focus on connecting and integrating the lives of Ottawa University and the Ottawa business community.  Position is responsible to develop new relationships and programing which will more closely tie Ottawa University and the greater Ottawa community. 

Must develop and maintain excellent relations with new and existing Chamber members; responsible for the overall knowledge and expertise of the functions for the Member/Partner database program; requires a commitment to the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission, philosophy and values; demonstrates, models and executes positive and constructive communication with leaders at all levels, including board members, staff, members, news media and elected officials; inspires a team-oriented environment that fulfills the organizations mission, strategic plan, goals and objectives with and provide support to  integrating lives and operations among the Ottawa University and the Ottawa business communities. 

Responsibilities will primarily include providing opportunity for communications, relationship building, program development, Chamber of Commerce member relations, database development/maintenance, and overall development and integration of the two designated constituencies as community liaison.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND REQRUIED DUTIES OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

Community Relations:

• Develop and enhance programming and events which will improve working relations between Ottawa University staff, faculty and students and the Ottawa business community.
• Increase the level of knowledge and participation of community events to the university and the vice versa, increase the level of knowledge of university events and participation to the greater community
• Serve as a liaison between Ottawa University and the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ottawa.

Community Constituencies

• Learn and gain experience regarding the local political dynamics.
• Building local constituencies which will benefit the Chamber and the University.
• Keep the President/CEO apprised of any and all pertinent information as it relates to community relations (especially as it applies to Ottawa University).

Chamber Programs

• Actively support and participate in Chamber events and programs
• Recruit and provide support and direction to volunteers for the Chamber and the University
• Other duties as assigned

Personal Characteristics of Importance:

Demonstrates ethical leadership values; strong listener; moves and acts with urgency; easily engages others; appreciates others; effectively works with complex problems and personalities; willingness to tackle problems; and passion.