The Director of Governmental Relations serves as the primary liaison between Gateway Technical College and local state and federal governmental bodies. This role is responsible for monitoring legislative activities assessing their impact on the college and executing strategies to advance the colleges interests through advocacy and relationship building. A key focus of this position is to empower and train members of the college community to act as advocates for Gateways mission ensuring the institution has a consistent and strategic voice in policy conversations.
This position reports directly to the President/CEO to ensure cross-college authority and visibility.
*Position opened until filledLegislative Advocacy and Training
Serve as Gateways primary liaison to local state and federal legislators and their staffers.
Monitor and analyze state local and federal government activities and related filings to assess potential outcomes benefits or risks to the institution.
Develop and implement training programs for students staff Board Members and the Executive Leadership Council on how to effectively engage with governmental leaders and advocate for college needs.
Coordinate legislative meetings and briefings for college leadership and student government.
Advise the President and leadership on emerging policy issues impacting technical colleges.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding
Engage with other college areas to support external partnerships with chambers of commerce industry associations K-12 districts and higher education partners.
Identify and help secure project funds through community project funding congressionally directed spending and other external investment opportunities.
Manage community sponsorships and external investments ensuring alignment with the college mission and a strong return on investment.
Nurture collaborative partnerships with community organizations that support student success for all students.
Administrative and Operational Duties
Prepare internal and external business documents legislative briefings reports and presentations.
Represent the college at community meetings city council sessions and county board meetings.
Conduct annual reviews of policies and procedure changes from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and other entities to maintain compliance.
Maintain established relationships with legislators community partners and advocacy groups.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree preferably Political Science Government Law or Communications
At least five (5) to eight (8) years of related experience in government relations public policy or advocacy.
General knowledge of or the ability to quickly acquire general knowledge of local Wisconsin and Federal governmental processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in a related field.
Experience working within a higher education or technical college environment.
Proven track record of securing governmental funding or grants.
Other Skills Knowledge and Abilities:
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare accurate reports.
Strong diplomacy skills and the ability to make sound judgments under pressure.
Effective problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including students and government officials.
DIVISION/LOCATION:Office of the President / Kenosha
COMP GRADE:31
FLSA DESIGNATION:Exempt
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Employment is contingent upon an acceptable background and reference check.
Flexibility is needed to accommodate evening and weekend for student and business needs including legislative sessions.
Must have reliable transportation and a valid drivers license for routine travel within the district and to the state capital.
| Not Applicable | Activity is not applicable to this occupation |
| Occasionally | Occupation required this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day) |
| Frequently | Occupation required this activity from 33% - 66%% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day) |
| Continuously | Occupation required this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day) |
| Physical Demands | Frequency | Lift / Carry | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitting | Frequently | 10 lbs or less | Frequently | |
| Standing | Frequently | 11- 20 lbs | Occasionally | |
| Walking | Frequently | 21 - 50 lbs | Occasionally | |
| Reaching Overhead | Occasionally | 51 - 100 lbs | Not Applicable | |
| Reaching at or Below Shoulder Level | Occasionally | Over 100 lbs | Not Applicable | |
| Keyboarding | Continuously | |||
| Stooping | Not Applicable | Push / Pull | ||
| Crouching | Not Applicable | 12 lbs or less | Occasionally | |
| Kneeling | Not Applicable | 13 - 25 lbs | Occasionally | |
| Crawling | Not Applicable | 26 - 40 lbs | Occasionally | |
| Climbing Ramps or Stairs | Frequently | 41 - 100 lbs | Not Applicable | |
| Climbing Ladders Ropes or Scaffolding | Not Applicable | Over 100 lbs | Not Applicable | |
| Driving | Frequently | |||
| Traveling - Overnight stay(s) | Occasionally | Hearing Requirement | Yes / No | |
| Communicating Verbally | Continuously | One-on-one (in person) | Yes | |
| Far Visual Acuity: 20 or more | Occasionally | Group or conference (in person) | Yes | |
| Near Visual Acuity: 20 or less | Continuously | Telephone | Yes | |
| Other Sounds | Yes |
| Working Conditions | Frequency | Noise Intensity Level | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humidity: non-weather related | Not Applicable | Quiet | Continuously | |
| Extreme Cold: non-weather related | Not Applicable | Moderate | Continuously | |
| Extreme Hot: non-weather related | Not Applicable | Loud | Occasionally | |
| Working Outdoors | Not Applicable | Very Loud | Occasionally | |
| Wetness: contact with water or other liquids | Not Applicable |
| Working Conditions | Frequency | Working Conditions | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working in Close Proximity to Others | Continuously | Working interruptions | Continuously | |
| Open Work Space | Continuously | Stressful situations | Frequently | |
| Working in a confined space | Frequently | Exposure to offensive odors | Occasionally | |
| Exposure to a computer screen | Continuously | Required uniform supplied by department | Not Applicable |
Gateway will not discriminate against any employee applicant for employment student or applicant for admission based on race color national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation creed religion political affiliation marital status parental status pregnancy disability age membership in any reserve component of the armed forces union affiliation arrest and conviction record or any other protected category under applicable local state or federal law.
Gateway Technical College is anEqual Opportunity/Access Educator/Employeroperating under an Affirmative Action Plan. Reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process please contact the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights ator . Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.Required Experience:
Director