Office of Human Resource Management

South Carolina State University a 1890 Land Grant Institution located in beautiful Orangeburg, SC is hiring for a Governmental Liaison.  The selected candidate will provide professional direction and oversight of Government Relations. Serves as an advisor to the President and South Carolina State University senior leaders about all government activities at the University. Cultivates and enhances the University's relationships at the federal, state, and local government levels. Works with the University and Senior Leadership in the development of proposals and strategies to advocate and lobby for University priorities at local, state, and federal government levels.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic oversight of Governmental Relations and is responsible for government affairs strategies that advance the University's mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials.
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
• Provides frequent updates to the President senior leaders and the Board of Trustees.
• Establishes and maintains constructive relationships with elected and appointed officials on a federal, state, and local level and invests considerable time and energy in prioritized networking activity.
• Apprises the President of pertinent legislative issues, external factors, and policy proposals and actions that could impact the University.
• Understands, communicates, and advocates University priorities to governmental officials, local and national organizations, and other government entities on key legislative issues related to higher education, health policy, and research.
• Serves as a key representative for the University at legislative sessions, before State bodies, and Federal agencies in support of institutional goals and objectives.
• Shapes and influences legislative programs and other critical business issues in alignment with University goals and objectives.
• Works with lobbyists and legislators in establishing and implementing a lobbying strategy, both proactive and responsive.
• Prepares communications to and for key stakeholders, including the President and Board of Trustees, regarding pertinent issues on legislative changes; directs and oversees the development of materials in support of the government relations agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
• Participates with senior leadership on institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Thorough understanding of current developments in state and national higher education policy; comprehensive knowledge of state government structures and decision-making processes.
• Proficient understanding of local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes, including budget and appropriations processes; proficient understanding of all timelines and procedural rules related to legislative and rule-making processes.
• Firm understanding of and commitment to compliance with state and federal lobbying laws, ethics rules, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to read, understand, and clearly draft proposed legislation.
• Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to ethically form and maintain relationships with government officials and government entities; ability to maintain a respectful and appropriate professional demeanor at all times.
• Ability to work collaboratively across the University enterprise.
• Understanding of the interplay between proposed changes and existing statutory or regulatory frameworks and how the changes may affect the University's ability to carry out its mission.
• Skill in legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
• Ability to prepare a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets.