Senior Director, State Relations

The duty post for this position will be at the University of Arizona Government and Community Relations (GCR) offices in Phoenix, AZ.

The Sr. Director for State Relations will advance the University's state legislative priorities. The Director will be part of the Government & Community Relations department state relations team, which is tasked with advocating for the U of A's state priorities, creating opportunities to expand the U of A's profile with state elected officials and legislative staff and being a service and knowledge base on state issues to the U of A campus community and stakeholders. The Director will also oversee the Arizona Legislative Internship Program for U of A.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the state legislative process. Additionally, this person will have knowledge of policy issues and political dynamics in Arizona. The ideal candidate should have experience with event organizing and should have existing relationships with external stakeholders who are vital to GCR success.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Work as a member of the state relations team in the Government and Community Relations department to maintain and strengthen relationships with state elected officials and staff.
• Assist in advancing U of A legislative and budget priorities at the State Capitol.
• Monitor and research legislation that impacts U of A.
• Draft analysis of state legislative issues relevant to the U of A.
• Collaborate with ABOR lobbyists to support efforts at the state capitol.
• Lead lobbying efforts on bills as assigned.
• Fulfill requests from the U of A campus community and stakeholders
  seeking information on U of A state legislative issues.
• Track partner organizations and associations legislative priorities and advise on their utility for the U of A.
• Coordinate campus tours, events at State Relations' summits.
• Travel to campuses in Tucson, and other facilities throughout Arizona, as necessary, to maintain relationships and provide expertise to U of A stakeholders and the campus community.
• Represent the U of A at events, forums and conferences.
• Draft annual Government and Community Relations event outreach plan for the Scottsdale office in coordination with the office Executive Director.
• Organize and lead GCR events at the Scottsdale office at the direction of the Vice President of Government and Community Relations and in coordination with the office Executive Director.
• Serve as director of the Arizona Legislative Internship Program.
• Provide professional oversight and development opportunities for the legislative interns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge and understanding of the state legislative operations and process.
• Familiarity summarizing bills and Arizona Revised Statute.
• Ability to advance out of state trips for VIPs.
• Organization skills for large events tailored to specific stakeholder needs.
• Knowledge of higher education policy issues and political dynamics in Arizona.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal and networking skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Ability to be a self-starter who can work both independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience and must include a minimum of 2 years of managerial experience.
• Ability to travel to Tucson, as requested as well as occasional travel out of state and the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Existing professional relationships with state elected leaders and their staff
  
• Experience on state legislative staff or with an government relations office
  
• Exceptional analytical skills, and a proven track record of effective leadership
  
• Experience hiring and managing interns
  * Knowledge, familiarity, and experience with The University of Arizona
  * Familiarity with Legislative Online Arizona