Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations

Department: Government and Community Relations

Classification: Public Relations & Mktg Spec 4

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Government and Community Relations unit is responsible for developing productive, mutually-beneficial relationships with business and citizen community groups as well as advancing the university's interests with federal, state, and local governments. The Office of Community and Local Government Relations serves as the lead liaison to the external community. The Office is responsible for connecting and developing sustainable strategic partnerships between the University and local government leaders and agencies; individuals; and business and community organizations. The Office is responsible for sharing the university's strategic plan, initiatives, and many services and resources with the external community.

About the Position:

The Associate Director, Community and Local Government Relations is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in developing the strategic direction of community and local government relations in the Prince William/Manassas region; developing sustainable strategic partnerships and relationships with local government leaders and agencies, individuals, and business and community organizations; developing and/or participating in outreach programs/initiatives and regional economic development activities as appropriate; and sharing the university's strategic plan, initiatives, and many services and resources with the external community. With an in-depth understanding of the SciTech Campus, this position represents the university as a whole to the primary communities of Prince William County, City of Manassas, and City of Manassas Park.

Responsibilities:

Local Government Relations 

• Manages and implements an ongoing outreach plan focused on enhancing strategic relationships and partnerships with local elected officials, key staff, and government agencies representing the SciTech Campus region;
• Assists with Federal and State Government Relations SciTech campus interactions;
• Meets with local elected officials to understand their interests and priorities and shares George Mason resources;
• Maintains ongoing and timely communication focused on individual interests/priorities, university announcements and activities, and the considerable and positive impact the university has on the community;
• May include attendance at Board/Council meetings as needed, outside traditional work hours;
• Monitors and shares meeting agenda items, minutes and/or outcomes from County Board, City Council, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authorities and other agencies as necessary with appropriate George Mason leadership;
• Prepares correspondence and/or talking points as appropriate on behalf of the university and/or Office of the President;
• Strategically attends activities involving local elected officials;
• Identifies and coordinates strategic opportunities for Mason leadership to engage with local elected officials;
• Acquires knowledge of key economic and demographic developments in the region; and
• Tracks outreach efforts and outcomes.

Business Engagement and Partnership Development (non-fundraising)

• Identifies, implements and manages an ongoing proactive outreach plan focused on enhancing strategic relationships and partnerships on behalf of the university with external businesses, not-for-profits, and other business-focused organizations;
• Works in partnership with George Mason entities to facilitate collaboration with external partners;
• Tracks outreach efforts and outcomes;
• Strategically engages in business-focused events and activities, including Board service; and
• Serves as the university's primary liaison with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. 

Community Relations

• Responsible for applying public relations strategies to develop, manage, evaluate and enhan