State Relations Director

Job Purpose The State Relations Director reports to the Chief of Government Relations and Community Engagement (GRACE) and serves as Wayne State University's lead liaison to the legislative and executive branches of state government. The role is responsible for building and sustaining relationships that maximize funding opportunities, advance the university's policy priorities, and minimize the impact of adverse legislation and regulation on the University, while establishing and enhancing WSU's reputation with individuals and organizations of influence at the state level. The State Relations Director develops and executes a proactive annual state advocacy strategy, monitors pending legislation and regulatory developments affecting the university, and represents WSU's positions before legislators, committees, and executive branch officials. The role oversees the workflow of the university's contracted lobbying staff in Lansing and works with campus partners, including UCAM and Alumni Relations, to build advocacy materials and networks that advance legislative goals. The State Relations Director works with the GRACE team and its goals to keep state, local, regional, and federal-level engagement aligned and strategic, and may support other advocacy activities as needed. The State Relations Director collaborates with campus entities like UCAM and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and campus stakeholders in advocacy, works with Deans and members of the President’s Cabinet to coordinate state grant and funding opportunities, and helps establish consistent practices for tracking and evaluating the impact of state government relations work across campus. Essential Functions Cultivate and maintain relationships, networks and contacts with state officials, their staff and related organizations and associations. Represent the interests of the University, communicate its program proposals and policy positions and address its problems or concerns with the appropriate officials. Prepare informational materials to be given to the appropriate executive and legislative departments and committees. Serve as a legislative liaison to various WSU stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of GRACE are achieved. Engage external organizations with similar interests (e.g. Michigan Association of State Universities) to collectively advocate the interests of higher education and the university. Serve on external and University-wide boards, task forces and committees to inform decision-making and disseminate pertinent information. Monitor compliance with University policy and possible contractual agreements. Perform research and analysis to assist the Chief of Government Relations and Community Engagement with the development of strategies to communicate the University's position. Monitor pending legislation and regulations that impact the University. Follow bills through committee and meet with appropriate legislators to share the University’s position(s). Disseminate information pertaining to state legislation to appropriate University personnel. Provide assistance to Deans and University research personnel in identifying and securing state grants and contracts. Oversee and coordinate the workflow of the contracted lobbying staff in Lansing. Coordinate and participate in political outreach activities, including the hosting of events and coordinating the visits of state government officials to the University’s main campus and regional centers to represent the university and advance its interests. Create a proactive annual advocacy plan that includes in-district engagements when appropriate and work with relevant campus stakeholders (i.e. UCAM and Alumni Relations, etc.) to build out advocacy materials and networks to advance legislative goals. Attend conferences, workshops and informational development seminars and professional groups and organizations to keep abreast of current trends and practices in state government affairs. Perform other related duties as assigned. WORK CONTEXT Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean. Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy. Financial Accountability: Manages operating budget. Customer Accountability: Interfaces with officials and executives. Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor.