Chief Community and Government Relations Officer

This position is a grade 18 with a minimum of $97,869 and a mid-point of $130,492. Salary offer will be commensurate with the education/experience, in alignment with the College's compensation philosophy, and the current CBA, if applicable.

The community engagement and legislative affairs position exists to support the ECC strategic plan and the ECC board of trustees' goals.

The primary functions in community engagement are to connect the college president, Board of Trustees, and ECC with District 509 stakeholders; communicate ECC's mission, values, and benefits to stakeholders; and collaborate with organizations aligned with ECC's mission and values. Additionally, it involves coordinating events, campaigns, and outreach efforts to advocate for key issues, and building mutually beneficial relationships with key external constituencies, including community members, nonprofits, opinion leaders, businesses, and public officials.

The primary functions of legislative affairs are to build relationships with elected officials in ECC's district at all levels (local, state, federal); educate elected officials on issues that impact higher education, community colleges and student success and advocate at all levels, as needed; develop strategies that advance the College's mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials; keep track of relevant bills and legislative initiatives that could impact the college, including changes in funding, regulations, and educational policy; and analyze and report on the impact of legislation on the college and make recommendations for action by the Board of Trustees.

General direction is received from the President.

• Master's degree in political science, communications, or a related field required.
• Seven years of management-level experience in leading and executing integrated community engagement and legislative affairs strategies with proven results.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and educational organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to forge strategic internal and external partnerships.
• Experience in advocacy, lobbying, or grassroots organizing.
• Superior written and oral communication skills; effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in developing and executing advocacy strategies.
• Ability to always remain neutral/non-partisan when representing the college.
• Demonstrated success as a culturally competent professional with experience interacting with and supporting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to represent the college to all audiences on behalf of the college president and/or board of trustees.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education, its key audiences, and key community issues.
• Previous work in government agencies, legislative offices, or advocacy organizations.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative activities at municipal, county, state, and federal levels; ability to track, disseminate, and advocate key legislative issues on behalf of the college.
• Experience in coordinating events, campaigns, or initiatives.

• Knowledge of District 509 service area and key stakeholders is a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

1. Manage all community sponsorship activities across District 509, ensuring equitable and cost-conscious practices that align with the college's values and goals. Represent ECC through the president's office, board of trustees, and ambassadors, and serve on governing boards as needed. Identify and sponsor opportunities that align with ECC's mission, acting as a liaison with all district chambers of commerce. Collaborate with external engagement areas of the college, such as the ECC Foundation and Workforce Development Division, providing support as needed. Assess and enhance ECC's community representation, developing strategies for maximum impact and creating opportunities for key stakeholders to engage with the campus and leadership.
2. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff relevant to ECC, including board members of 33 municipalities, 5 counties, K-12 districts, and state and federal legislators. Disseminate legislative information, participate in community college legislative briefings, and mobilize advocacy efforts as directed by the President. Develop legislative strategies for state and federal lobby day activities, and proactively communicate ECC's successes and needs to legislators. Collaborate with college areas that interface with legislators, such as student clubs and political science faculty, and communicate with internal stakeholders on legislative issues relevant to ECC and higher education. Provide assistance as needed
3. Develop and deliver community presentations and updates across municipalities, chambers of commerce, service organizations, K-12 districts, and multicultural organizations. Coordinate with marketing and communications on publications like Impact magazine and the annual community report, integrating key messaging into these activities. Keep college leadership informed on legislative developments and ensure faculty, staff, and students are updated on relevant issues.
4. Support the board of trustees in developing strategies, priorities, and advocacy efforts for events like ICCTA Lobby Day and ACCT's National Legislative Summit. Organize legislative meet and greets, campus tours, and other related activities. Maintain close contact with the board's legislative liaison, execute legislative directives, and track relevant bills and initiatives impacting the college.
5. Prepare briefing materials and reports for board meetings, summarizing legislative developments. Facilitate board representation at community events and keep board members informed of relevant activities. Oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting for the department.
6. Complete special projects and plan institutional events such as open houses and grand openings. Promote engagement between the board, legislators, and the community through events like town hall meetings. Maintain updated contact information for stakeholders and a database of community and legislative activities. Research and disseminate reports to the President and Board of Trustees monthly and annually.
7. Seek best practices in community engagement and legislative affairs, attend professional development opportunities, and network with colleagues

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Quiet conditions

Typical office or administrative