at Illinois Board of Higher Education in Springfield, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- As a member of the senior leadership team, helps achieve the long-term strategic and annual goals of the Agency: provides senior-level leadership to the organization, including presenting to the Board, working with Board members, assisting with the agency’s annual planning, budgeting, and goal setting, and contributing to a collaborative team culture
- Acts as a strategic policy advisor to the Executive Director and the Board as it relates to guidance and interpretation of all legislative matters; formulates policy with agency-wide impact, develops legislation to ensure agency advancement of Agency goals, serves as the Executive Director’s official representative in relationships with the General Assembly regarding Agency goals and legislative proposals; advocates for legislation in public forums with legislative officials, federal, state and other officials; reviews, drafts and amends legislation; offers recommendations on proposed legislation; initiates Agency and community dialogue on potential legislative issues; coordinates and supports Agency leadership and staff in examining policy issues; collaborates with Governor’s office on policy and procedures; tracks and reports on legislation that impacts the Agency
- Serves as official Agency spokesperson, acting on behalf of the Executive Director, to all internal and external entities, including the Governor’s office, the legislature; speaks before legislative hearings and other interest groups to promote understanding and interpret the Agency position regarding legislation with Agency impact; acts with full authority, on behalf of the Executive Director to commit the Agency to specific course of action to enhance Agency services and goals
- Stays abreast of higher education policy nationally and within Illinois, identifying areas of strategic alignment and opportunity
- Other duties as assigned within scope of position
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, from an accredited college/university required;
- Master’s Degree in related field preferred
Required:
- Minimum five+ years of related experience
- Knowledge of the functional operation of state and federal government, especially Congress, the General Assembly, Governor’s Office and state and federal agencies
- Deep knowledge of higher education or education policy with ability to understand, analyze, and prepare legislation, communicate effectively with IBHE members and members of the General Assembly, and develop relationships with all professional contacts
Preferred:
- Prior experience in government, education, or higher education
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills / Ability to testify effectively in legislative hearings
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