Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Government Relations Director

• Title: Government Relations Director
• Category: Management
• FLSA: Exempt
• Grade: N

Job Summary

Under the direction of Executive management, leads the government relations functions of the College. In consultation with College administrators and executives, plans and executes a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances the College’s mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials.  Serves as the College’s principal liaison to elected officials at all levels.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. In collaboration with the District President, College Executive Officers, and other Advancement staff, develops and manages college strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for Portland Community College.
2. Works with the College leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues for the College.
3. Coordinates with Student Affairs to train and support student legislative programs and initiatives.
4. Communicates and advocates College priorities to local, regional, state and national elected officials and staff.
5. Develops supporters and political alliances with the community to advocate on behalf of PCC. This includes but is not limited to retirees, volunteers, and coalition partners. Organizes and collaborates with partners to lobby around specific legislation, including political organizing.
6. Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates and advises College leadership and staff about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with College staff to analyze potential impacts on the college. Communicates with the college community to inform them of relevant government issues.
7. Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including College and Foundation Board members, state and national associations, student organizations, employee unions, and government relations staff from other agencies and industry. Engages constituents inside and outside the college in support of the college’s government relations agenda.
8. Develops a wide range of materials in support of the College’s government relations agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters. Works with PCC Marketing and Communications teams to develop relevant public relations materials and social media.
9. Plans and implements events and other activities to support the College’s government relations goals, such as town halls, news conferences, campus visits, and meetings. Executes lobbying events in accordance with campaign plans.
10. Provides technical assistance to College faculty and staff on government relations issues.
11. Supervises administrative and technical/support staff, casual employees and independent contractors. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines and discharges staff as necessary.
12. Plans budget for government relations activities within the College Advancement budget.
13. Assists with the development and implementation of special projects, such as, but not limited to, bond measures and redistricting.
14. Advocates for PCC programs that are impacted by local policy, municipal budgets, and Oregon Administrative Rule changes.
15. Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Frequent in-district and state travel is required. Working hours may vary and occasional evening and weekend work is required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and material is needed to perform the job satisfactorily.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Five years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations required. Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes;
• Educational policy;
• Public affairs principles and practices;
• Statewide knowledge of anti-poverty initiatives that impact equitable access and completion;
• Project management and planning principles and practices.

Skills in:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials and their staffs;
• Communicating effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups;
• Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents;
• Legislative advocacy, negotiation and persuasion;
• Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums;
• Preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets;
• Planning and organization;
• Managing and coordinating special projects;
• Developing and implementing strategic plans as well as responding to short-term objectives;
• Attention to detail and strong follow-through;
• Critical and strategic thinking;
• Event planning and management;
• Working independently, as well as with teams;
• Working with people from diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
• Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.

Revised: 2/20, 11/19

• Reviewed: 12/18
• New: 11/11