Government Relations Associate - Archive
Government and Community Relations

General Statement of Duties

The Office of Government and Community Relations (GCR) coordinates the University of Oregon's legislative and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. 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.

The Office of Government and Community Relations employs a government relations associate to assist and support the university’s government and community relations officers.  Members of the Government and Community Relations staff represent the University of Oregon with local, state, and federal government officials and assist university executives, including the university president, in communicating with local, state, and federal policymakers.

The Government Relations Associate assists with managing projects, events, and initiatives that foster positive relations and communication between the university and the community, local, state, and federal government officials.  The Government Relations Associate represents the university and its objectives during these constituent interactions, and must command a broad understanding of university policies and positions to make independent and responsive decisions.  The Government Relations Associate must be able to manage confidential material including information related to bargaining unit matters.

This purpose of this position is to support government and community relations professionals through research and analysis, dissemination of information, and preparation of materials.  The supervisor of record for the Government and Community Relations Associate is the Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations & Neighbor Liaison.  The Government and Community Relations Associate is assigned to work with the Federal Affairs Director, the State Relations Director, & the Community Relations Director.

Position Requirements

1.  Bachelor’s degree required.  A degree in political science, journalism, or a related field is preferred. Master’s degree in public policy, political science or closely related field may substitute for work or volunteer experience.
2. Two years experience researching and tracking public policy, rules, regulations and legislation and/or experience with elected officials or senior policy makers or with advocacy, community-based, or non-profit organizations. 
3. Demonstrated experience coordinating programs, projects, events and publications.
4. Excellent oral and written communication and problem-solving skills.
5. Database and digital communications skills
6. Demonstrated understanding of diversity as it relates to community engagement
7. Ability to work flexible hours and travel as needed.

Supplemental questions:

Please include answers to the following questions with application materials, not to exceed three pages:

1. Please describe your public policy experience including tracking and analyzing federal, state, and/or local proposals, bills, or legislation.
2. Please describe your experience preparing materials, supporting or staffing executives, managing publications, databases, and constituent lists.
3. Please describe your experience communicating with and/or supporting public officials and/or policy makers.
4. This position requires the ability to work with other professionals, volunteers, and external constituents.  Please describe your approach to managing work load and contributing in a team environment.
5. Describe experience that demonstrates your ability to represent the University effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures both orally and in writing. 

Application Procedures

We seek qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity.  Review of applications will begin June 26, 2012 and will remain open until filled.  For full consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter; resume; answers to supplemental questions and the names and contact information for three references to:

The University of Oregon is an AA/EO institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA.