Director of Government Relations

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the development and management of strategies that seek to inform HCC stakeholders regarding public policy at the federal, state, and local government levels.

Executive level staff at HCC are system-wide leaders that share the responsibility to collaboratively support the one-college vision articulated in our strategic plan – Embracing Houstons Future – with college strategic priorities as measurable manifestations of our shared Mission, Vision, and Values.

Responsible for the design, execution, and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provide reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Manages Talent Engagement activities for direct reports in regards to recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, and performance evaluations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct and manage the staff and contractor efforts in support of all HCC communication and public policy initiatives, particularly with the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress.
• Manage work activities of student employees, assistants and/or interns.
• Assist in the identification of issues and development of policy positions for the entire HCC system.
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive strategic planning and policy development process, consistent with HCC Systems strategic planning and policy development process to effectively address policy matters impacting the institution.
• Lead the policy development process and represent the institution before legislative and rulemaking bodies.
• Interact with local public and private entities, as well as local, state, and federal associations committed to the advancement of higher education.
• Monitor federal, state, and local legislation and work to inform HCC stakeholders about HCC projects and initiatives and maintain positive relationships among external policy makers and HCC officials.
• Serve as liaison for HCC with legislators and other governmental officials and agencies.
• Monitor legislation regarding funding and laws/regulations affecting community colleges; interpret funding formulas and related bills to achieve appropriate resources and support for college projects and initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Confer with national and state associations regarding legislation that may impact community colleges.
• Facilitate and coordinate the interaction of Trustees, the Chancellor and other district officials with HCCs government relations consultants, legislators, and other government officials.
• Develop written correspondence and issue documents; develop and present policy analysis and position papers as needed to explain HCC programs and initiatives.
• Ensure that the Governing Board, the Chancellor, and other district officials are kept informed of new, anticipated and pending legislation.
• Formulate strategies in collaboration with local and state governments regarding the colleges bond election and annexation activities.
• Collaborate with relevant HCC stakeholders on projects that involve governmental regulators, public entities, and higher education.
• Provide policy advice to the Governing Board, Chancellor and HCC executives that support the policy agenda and other related purposes of the institution.
• Provide advice to the Chancellor and executive team on relevant matters relating to and impacting board agenda items.
• Identify opportunities for outside grant funding and other savings programs.
• Speak at local, regional, and international conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Government, Political Science, Business or related field required
• Masters degree or Juris Doctor preferred
• 8 years professional experience in fostering beneficial relations with local, state and/or federal legislative bodies and public officials and/or former regulatory compliance experience required

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Texas Driver License

Special Skills

• MS Office Programs
• Information Management Systems
• Budget Management

Competencies

• Acting as a Champion for Change
• Thinking like an Entrepreneur
• Driving for Results
• Leveraging Opportunities
• Setting a Strategic Vision
• Attracting & Developing Talent
• Inspiring & Motivating Others
• Acting Strategically
• Demonstrating Beliefs & Principals
• Managing Resources

Working Conditions

General Office. Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner. Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements. May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

The Organization

Houston Community College (HCC) is composed of 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. HCC is one of the countrys largest singly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

The Team

Play a central role at HCC as you keep our everyday operations running like clockwork. Youll get the chance to make things happen and work closely with inspiring leaders across different parts of the institution. Whether your role is supportive, administrative, financial or something else, youll be part of a dynamic team that not only provides HCC students with cutting-edge academic and career tools, it also takes care of its people.

Location

Houston is a city with limitless possibilities:

• Fourth-largest city in the U.S. and home to 54 Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York Citys 55.
• Approximately 145 languages are spoken here.
• Overall after-taxes living costs are 5.6 percent below the average for all 308 urban areas recently surveyed.
• Houston is a major-league sports town, and dont forget the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
• The weather is great! Mild winters ensure that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
• World-renowned medical care. The Houston metro area has long been known for its first-rate health care system, with many Houston area hospitals consistently ranking among the nations top institutions.
• With over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, museums are a large part of Houstons cultural scene.
• Houston is the Culture & Culinary Capital of Texas with more than 7,500 restaurants and eating establishments covering 60+ cuisines.