The Associate Director, State Government Relations reports to the associate vice president and is jointly responsible for OHSU's state government relations.

 

The Associate Director, State Government Relations will serve as a liaison for OHSU and state government. Responsibilities including educating elected officials about OHSU’s missions, helping develop and analyze policy, lobbying directly elected officials, as well as working with internal (OHSU) and external stakeholders. Additionally this person will monitor regulatory issues, be a representative of the university with external stakeholders, and coordinate events.

 

The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders and elected officials. The Director regularly interfaces with OHSU leadership, and excellent communication and leadership skills are necessary. The job responsibilities require superb organizational skills and a strong commitment to responsiveness, general customer service and follow through. Substantial knowledge and policy analysis skills in the area of education and human services policy would be ideal to effectively advocate on behalf of the institution. This position plans and implements special projects as developed by incumbent or assigned by executive leaders.

• Develops OHSU’s state legislative agenda and the implementation of OHSU's state legislative agenda and policy priorities in state government. Creates strategy for and executes activities that implement the priorities as well as monitoring legislation and policy proposals that may impact OHSU, lobbying legislators and other government officials.

• Creates and maintains a regular and sustainable communications program between OHSU and policy makers and internal stakeholders that updates lawmakers on recent developments at OHSU and the university's presence across the state.

• Engages in relationship and coalition-building between OHSU and state government, and community partners. Attends meetings of these organizations in concert with OHSU Central Administration.

• Works to understand OHSU’s strengths and proactively seeks out opportunities for OHSU to provide information, and leadership on policy issues related to the mission. Drafts legislative testimony, fact sheets and other materials. Plans and implements special projects as assigned by the Director.

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree is required in a relevant field such as Communication or Political Science (or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education).

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in lobbying in a bi-partisan environment preferred. Emphasis in higher education or human services policy is preferred. Demonstrated experience working with state government is preferred.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Significant knowledge of legislative process with emphasis in health care and/or education;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Must be well-organized, flexible and highly motivated.
• Must be a team player, but able to work independently, using initiative and judgment.
• OHSU is a non-partisan public corporation, and the ideal candidate should be able to work in a non-partisan manner with a number of different constituencies.

Experience working in (at least) two state legislative sessions is highly preferred.

Both on-campus, remote work and regular business travel. During legislative sessions work time is spent almost exclusively in Salem. There are occasional overnight trips to OHSU sites and partners around the state. Day-to-day non-session work hours are variable.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.