AVP, Community & Government Relations (15180)

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail. 

 

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work. 

 

Learn more about American University by clicking here.  

Summary/Objective

Reporting to the Vice President of Administration & Chief Administrative Officer, this position will oversee community and government relations for American University. The AVP of Community and Government Relations will serve as the point person for coordinating the implementation and oversight of AU's new 10-year campus plan and will work closely with the University's leadership, including AU's Provost and Chief Financial Officer, as well as core stakeholders across the university. The AVP will lead strategic engagement with our neighboring communities, including AU's Neighborhood partnership. 

 

The AVP will drive and grow AU's engagement with the DC government, other local governments, and the federal governments and will further develop AU's collaborative relationships with other local colleges and universities. The AVP will also spearhead developing the next phase of AU's strategic plan focused on engagement with Washington, DC and the DC region.

Essential Functions

1. Lead AU's community and government relations. 
2. Lead engagement with AU's neighbors. 
3. Serve as the point person for coordinating the implementation and oversight of the new campus plan; working closely with core stakeholders including University leadership, their teams, and others on campus. 
4. Drive efforts to manage and enhance AU's engagement with the city and federal governments and to work with other colleges and universities in the area to collaborate on these efforts. 
5. Lead the "Working with Washington" initiatives of AU's Strategic Plan, Changemakers for a Changing World and spearhead the development of the next phase of these initiatives. 
6. Monitor and report relevant activities of the Mayor's office, city agencies, and the DC City Council.
7. Lead engagement with local neighborhood groups, including the ANCs, and partner with campus stakeholders to maximize these relationships. 
8. Supervise the Director of Community Relations. 
9. Serve as primary liaison to the Government Relations Committee of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (the Consortium). Working wtih Consortium staff and the government relations staff of other universities on key legislation and policy matters in DC.

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position will supervise the Director of Community Relations.

Work Environment

• Travel required on campus or with-in the Washington, DC area.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-Time.
• Exempt.
• Division Leader C.

Salary Range

• Commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree.

• 10+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience in DC Government agencies or Councilmember’s office.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

 

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announc