The Office of State Relations builds relationships while developing and implementing strategies to advance UW-Madison's priorities with the state legislature, the governor, and other state government agencies.
Reporting to the Senior Director of State Relations and Statewide Outreach, the Assistant Director of State Relations will work with campus stakeholders and other University Relations team members to plan and assist in the implementation of state government relations and statewide outreach efforts.
Principal duties include: - Assisting in coordination of legislative activities, requests, and outreach - Assisting the Senior Director of State Relations and Statewide Outreach in responding to campus partners with questions regarding legislation or state government operations - Helping craft and implement a legislative and state government outreach strategy - Supporting statewide outreach efforts and other external relations projects - Analyzing legislative proposals and major policy items, including the biennial state budget
Responsibilities:
Assists with representing the organization's position on legislation and regulatory affairs to elected representatives and their staffs, as well as to officials and staffs in regulatory and other agencies, in support of institutional vision and goals.
30% Helps monitor legislative actions that affect institutional activity and assists with making recommendations for policies and procedures to align with legal requirements and applicable laws
20% Formulates recommendations and prepares reports based on analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
15% Assists with the delivery of directed messaging on institutional priorities to internal and governmental stakeholders
10% May represent the institution among governmental stakeholder groups providing organizational information
15% Assists with identifying, promoting, and maintaining internal and external partnerships to build relationships and represent the interests of the institution
10% Advances the institution's interests at the state and/or federal level and shares policy and funding developments that may impact institutional missions
Tasks:
Draft responses to requests by elected officials and state government officials
Assist in planning briefings in the Capitol and other activities on campus involving legislators and state government officials
Partner with the Senior Director of State Relations and Statewide Outreach to build relationships with elected officials, their offices, and other stakeholders
Identify ways to engage campus stakeholders with the legislative process and state government
In collaboration with University Relations, set key messaging themes and implement strategy to advance campus priorities and strengthen relationship with the state.
In collaboration with campus partners and University Relations team members, work to plan outreach events
Assist in educating elected officials on existing outreach programs
Oversee bill tracking efforts, draft memos to campus leadership when needed on certain proposals
Contact campus stakeholders on legislative proposals to solicit feedback
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Preferred Bachelor's Degree in political science, education, public relations, government, communications, or related field or equivalent work experience
Qualifications:
Required: - 3+ years of experience with the Wisconsin legislative process and a demonstrated knowledge of state government, major public policy issues impacting higher education, and the biennial budget process - Effective and professional communications skills, both verbal and written. - Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with diverse groups and individuals. - Commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment - Ability to work quickly and accurately on complex projects, manage multiple priorities, and work in a team environment - Ability to research, analyze, and articulate complex educational, policy, and legislative issues
Preferred: - Experience working in outreach or public policy in a higher education setting - Understanding of higher education policy - Familiarity with UW-Madison
We recognize that qualified applicants come from a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, and levels of educational access. We encourage you to apply even if you don't match all of the qualifications listed above.
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
Given the nature of the role, the majority of work will likely be done in person - on campus, at the State Capitol, or other sites throughout the state. Some work may be done remotely.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Negotiable ANNUAL (12 months) This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf
How to Apply:
Click 'Apply Now' to begin. After creating a UW Jobs profile you will be prompted to upload a cover letter and resume. Your application materials should highlight how your experience, knowledge, and skills relate to the qualifications listed for this position.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary since its founding in 1848. Our students, staff, and faculty partake in world-class education and conduct prolific research that solves real-world problems. Our guiding principle is the Wisconsin Idea, a commitment to outreach that creates a better future for our state, our nation, and the world. We value the contributions of each person and recognize that diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation.