Assistant Vice President for State Affairs

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Princeton, NEW JERSEY
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Princeton University—a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation’s service and the service of humanity—seeks a proactive and experienced public affairs leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for State Affairs.  The AVP joins Princeton at an exciting and important time, as the University continues to advance progress on a number of key institutional priorities, including increasing the size of the undergraduate student body, expanding college access and opportunity, cultivating ties to New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, and building on excellence in a range of critical fields, such as data science, bioengineering, and the environment.

 

Reporting to the Vice President and Secretary of the University, the AVP for State Affairs develops and implements strategies for representing the University's interests and concerns at the state level, and proactively identifies opportunities to advance key institutional priorities in collaboration with a broad range of campus and state partners. The AVP for State Affairs has primary responsibility for maintaining and cultivating strong and mutually beneficial relationships with state government officials, legislators and staff, policy and opinion leaders, advocacy organizations, and others.

 

The AVP will join a strong and collaborative team of leaders from multiple University units—including those overseeing community and regional affairs, federal government affairs, and communications—who work in close partnership to advance Princeton’s teaching and research mission and advocate for higher education more broadly.

 



Responsibilities:

 

Proactively monitors, evaluates, and anticipates state issues of importance to the University; develops strategies for representing the University's interests and concerns and addressing issues that impact Princeton's teaching and research mission. Works in partnership with a broad range of external partners to advance Princeton's mission and goals, serving as a strong advocate for Princeton and higher education throughout the state. 

 

Maintains regular communication with on-campus partners regarding state government initiatives, including legislative and regulatory proposals.

 

Develops and maintains positive and collaborative relationships with state legislators and staff, state agency staff, advocacy group partners, and other leaders throughout the state.  Manages outreach and communications efforts with NJ public officials, policy makers, opinion leaders and other state-based higher education, business, and government officials. 

 

Leads efforts to increase and foster positive collaborations and mutual understanding between the University and state partners.  This involves creating and implementing coherent, broad gauged, and long-term strategies through which Princeton as a connected, committed, and contributing leader and partner enhances the vibrancy and quality of life in New Jersey.

 

Provides informed, thoughtful and timely guidance to senior University leadership regarding issues and opportunities throughout the state.

 

Manages the three-person staff in the Office of State Affairs, including the Associate Director for State Government Relations, the Associate Director of Outreach and Communications, and the Office Manager. Creates an ethos of teamwork and collaboration in the office.

 

Ensures close collaboration with colleagues in a range of external-facing units on campus, including those focused on community and regional affairs, federal affairs, and communications.



Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

 

  • First-hand knowledge of the State of New Jersey and New Jersey state government.
  • Significant experience working on state policy issues.
  • Belief in and commitment to Princeton's teaching and research mission and the role the University plays within the state of New Jersey.
  • Effective management skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, work independently and exercise discretion, and to consult widely and build consensus.
  • Strong communication skills including an ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in public, in discussions with state officials and with the press, in writing, and in other settings.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to interact with all levels of the University and with external partners with discretion, tact, patience and professionalism.
  • Creativity in seeking solutions to challenging problems, a willingness to listen and learn.
  • Flexibility; resourcefulness, adaptability to changing needs and demands; willingness to work long hours and on weekend/evenings as circumstances require.
  • Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to build relationships with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
  • Bachelor's degree and 7 years of relevant work experience
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    Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW



    36.25

    No

    Yes

    180 days

    No

    No

    No

    Director

    #LI-JE1

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