Department: University Advancement
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000/year
Compensation Band: OS-OA09-Fiscal Year 2022-2023
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
July 10, 2023; position open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:
A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Please Note: We may contact applicants who meet the minimum requirements in the job posting to request additional information for the next stage of review.
Department Summary
University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. The division consists of approximately 200 employees primarily working out of Eugene, with offices in Portland and Bend. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.
The offices of Federal Affairs, State Affairs, and Community Relations together form the Government and Community Relations (GCR) workgroup. Government and Community Relations coordinates the University of Oregon’s legislative advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, including the community engagement and sponsorship programs. GCR’s mission is to build and strengthen relationships with the university’s constituencies and encourage investment in and support for the university, its programs, and its initiatives. GCR is also responsible for maintaining relationships with the Higher Education Coordination Commission (HECC), other key boards and commissions, local government, and community level organizations.
Federal Affairs at the University of Oregon has direct oversight of all university matters relating to the federal government, US Congress, members of the Oregon congressional delegation, other federal officials, federal agencies, and advisory boards.
State Affairs at the University of Oregon is responsible for all university matters related to the Oregon Legislative Assembly, other statewide elected officials, and state agencies. Community Relations is responsible for local government and community relations including event sponsorship and strategy.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs (AVP, Federal Affairs), the Director of Advocacy and Policy (director) will manage and administer the UO Advocates Program and related legislative advocacy in close coordination with the AVP, Federal Affairs, and the AVP, State Affairs. The director’s responsibilities include recruitment and retention of advocates; development of strategic communications and online content; arranging legislative and agency visits by university representatives in Salem and Washington, D.C.; coordination of table events; and maintenance of the UO Advocates Program database and software. The UO Advocates Program is a nonpartisan education and advocacy program administered by the Government and Community Relations (GCR) team and the University of Oregon Alumni Association (UOAA). Its mission is to mobilize alumni on behalf of the UO’s legislative priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. It also works to raise awareness of the positive impact that UO and public higher education have on Oregon’s economy, civic life, natural resources, and more.
Working in collaboration with GCR staff and the UOAA, the director is responsible for advancing the UO’s legislative agendas and engagement goals.
This position requires a valid driver’s license and access to transportation for frequent work outside of normal business hours to attend and manage weekend and evening events throughout the state of Oregon, including some overnight travel. This position can be located in either Eugene or Portland and is eligible to work a hybrid schedule.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Four years of experience with organizational networking, legislative affairs, or non-profit advocacy in a professional or volunteer capacity.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to work along and across bipartisan, partisan and ideological lines to build consensus for policy issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work with elected and public officials and external advocates.
• Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information and issues responsibly.
• Ability to build relationships, operate with tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity, effectively with a wide variety of people across multiple units and agencies to develop strategies to further the university’s goals.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prepare professional materials, and conduct research and analysis.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
• Ability to motivate and work well with a variety of stakeholder groups to build public and political support for the university.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers and their routine software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to represent elected officials or organizations to external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated abilities in event planning and execution.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in government relations, legislative affairs, political advocacy and campaigns, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Experience with digital advocacy tools, databases and advocacy software.
• Professional experience in community engagement and public affairs.
• Knowledge of policies and initiatives involving higher education.
• Experience in the field of higher education.
• Ability to analyze political landscape and make strategic advocacy decisions.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits .
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination .
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report .
Advertised: June 22, 2023 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: