"Assistant Vice President for State Relations"

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Department: VP for External Affairs

Campus: Rose Hill (RH) - Bronx

Position Summary: Reporting to the Vice President for External Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for State Relations is a critical member of Fordham's government relations and advocacy team based in Albany, NY, with regular travel to Fordham's Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester campuses. In collaboration with several University partners, including the Offices of the President, Academic Affairs, Sponsored Research, Administration, Communications, and Development and University Relations, the position will be responsible for the development and implementation of Fordham's strategic agenda with the Governor's office, State Legislature, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The Assistant Vice President is responsible for amplifying Fordham's presence with decision-makers in order to advance the University's mission. The Assistant Vice President will be a leader within Fordham's Division of External Affairs, and ensure the development and implementation of Fordham's strategic vision by working closely with the Director of Federal Relations, Community Affairs, Center for Community Engaged Learning, and Bronx Green Jobs Center.

The successful candidate will have a proactive, enterprising, and highly collaborative approach to the position. They must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, and have both extensive relationships among State decision-makers, and an advanced understanding of the legislative, budgetary, rule-making, and research/operational grant allocation process for the benefit of campus colleagues. Key responsibilities for the individual in this role include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as the University's primary point of contact with State decision-makers on all matters of policy, legislation, and budget
• Identifying and pursuing federal research/operational grant opportunities with agencies
• Preparing the President, members of leadership, and all students, faculty, and staff when opportunities arise to interface with elected and appointed officials, their staff, and agency representatives
• Partnering with associations such as the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), and systems such as the State University of New York, City University of New York, and many other public and independent institutional allies

Essential Functions: Manages and strengthens Fordham's relationships with elected and appointed state officials and agencies, in particular the New York Executive Chamber, Education Department, New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, Dormitory Authority of New York State, Empire State Development, Higher Education Services Corps, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York Power Authority, and others as required.

Monitors State legislation, rules, and regulations that impact Fordham and the constituencies the University serves, and develops an institutional response. Assists in the development of University-approved legislative initiatives and securing appropriation authority.

Develops a comprehensive lobbying and advocacy strategy. Identifies research and operational grant funding opportunities and partners with campus colleagues in pursuit of these strategies.

Provides strategic guidance, training, and support for the President, members of leadership, and all campus colleagues as opportunities arise to interface with decision-makers.

Works closely with campus colleagues to identify Albany-based opportunities that amplify Fordham's mission, through keynote speaking events, sponsored events, industry partnerships, shared advocacy objectives, and more.

Tracks and files all necessary disclosures and filings on behalf of the University and its employees.

Assists in the development of the University's positions on policy and fiscal objectives.

Analyzes state executive budget submissions to determine potential institutional fiscal and programmatic impacts.

In conjunction with the Vice President of External Affairs and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, serves as a spokesperson for the University on state matters.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree. Minimum of six (6) years' executive and/or legislative experience as a staffer and/or lobbyist, and not subject to a lobbying ban.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree. Knowledge of Jesuit identity and mission in a higher education setting.

Minimum Salary: $160,000

Maximum Salary: $175,000