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Public Affairs Council
 

Vice President for Government Relations

The University of Georgia invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President (VP) for Government Relations. The Vice President for Government Relations develops and implements UGA's governmental and political engagement strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policymakers. The position is high-profile as this VP represents the organization in front of key government officials and policymakers. The VP also advises campus executives on the impact of proposed legislation and determines appropriate responses.The position often requires travel for meetings with elected officials and policymakers. The VP reports to the President of the University of Georgia, and is a member of the President's executive management team. The VP has a dotted line relationship with the Senior Vice President for External Affairs for personnel and budgetary matters.

Please visit: https://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/government_relations/

Responsibilities
The VP for Government Relations:

  • Evaluates pending legislation
  • Monitors legislation's impact on the organization
  • Develops the organization's response to legislation
  • Builds relationships with federal, state and local authorities, regulatory agency heads and key policymakers
  • Develops governmental relations strategies
  • Enhances the organization's image among authorities
  • Writes testimony and talking points related to UGA's interests and positions
  • Coordinates closely with the senior leaders and staffs in the offices of the senior vice presidents for External Affairs, Finance & Administration, and Academic Affairs, as well as the offices of the Vice President for Research, Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, and Vice President for Instruction
  • Supervises the directors of Federal Relations, State Relations, and Community Relations

This role may also include working with staff and other organizations to obtain media coverage and develop effective public awareness campaigns.

Qualifications
  • This position requires a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree or law degree is preferred
  • We seek significant governmental relations experience, a thorough understanding of legislative processes, proven track record of successful advocacy, and effective relationships with elected officials, agency heads and policymakers
  • Other qualifications may include prior experience managing relationships with lobbyists and consultants, and media relations experience to help shape positive media coverage and public opinion
  • This individual will be required to be a registered agent
  • Government relations knowledge and experience as related to the State of Georgia are preferred qualifications

Skills
In addition to education and prior experience, we may seek a number of personal attributes in candidates including:
  • Excellent writing, presentation and speaking skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills; effective leadership and strategic thinking
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team and to build and maintain internal and external partnerships
  • Previous knowledge of the organization's area of focus may also be sought

The University of Georgia is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report's 2011 edition of America's Best Colleges. Academic programs reside in 16 schools and colleges. The University of Georgia is a land-grant/sea-grant university located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta. Athens is located in an area of great natural beauty and the campus and community offer many cultural and recreational opportunities. Additional information about the University of Georgia is available at http://www.uga.edu.

To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted prior to September 12, 2011; however, the position will remain open until filled.  The anticipated start date will be on or about January 1, 2012.  Application materials should include a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter of interestsupporting your fit for the positionwith relevant experience. References are not necessary for application at this time but may be requested later in the process.

Email submissions with attachments are preferred. Please send to: executivesearch@uga.edu

In lieu of email submission, written application materials can be directed to:
University of Georgia, Human Resources
Search Committee: VP Government Relations
C/o Executive and Faculty Search Group
215 S. Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602

Confidential requests for information should be directed to Frank DiGiacomo, Principal at the Executive & Faculty Search Group, 706-542-7908.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Institution
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 08/23/11