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About us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses—Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia—and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

The Chief Government & Community Relations Officer (CGCRO) promotes the goals of MGA to government and community stakeholders, including elected officials and legislators at the local, state, and federal levels, community stakeholders and public/private entity partners. The CGCRO provides leadership to advance the legislative and community priorities of the institution while offering guidance to MGA leaders in their external-facing activities with political, public and community leaders. The CGCRO also plans MGA's community relations initiatives, including economic and workforce development, and the University's engagement with local Chambers of Commerce and other agencies. The CGCRO provides leadership in building multi-campus connections between the University's five campuses and their local communities.

The CGCRO supervises a small team of campus and community directors, and reports to the President. The position also liaises closely with divisional vice presidents in their external facing activities, and the CGCRO provides MGA representation and support to the Government Relations work of the University System of Georgia (USG). The position’s main office is in Macon; however, has a secondary office on the Cochran Campus. The CGCRO is a member of the President's Cabinet and reports directly to the President.

Responsibilities

Campus-Based Responsibilities (25%)

• Strategic Institutional Role: Support the development and execution of the university's strategic external-facing initiatives. Work closely with the President and other senior leaders to foster collaborative communication and internal management of key projects, including legislative relations, community engagement and philanthropic opportunities. Track progress on key projects and goals, providing insights and recommendations on progress.

• Team Management: Support the coordination of unit meetings with campus and community directors, managing agendas, follow-ups, and communications across departments. Provide guidance and leadership to ensure that the external-facing priorities of the MGA Strategic Plan and the President are enacted.

• Special Projects: Lead or support special projects assigned by the President. This includes collaboration with cross-campus teams, ensuring prompt and efficient execution, and providing updates.

Government Relations (50%)

• Advocacy: Represent MGA and advance the mission and goals of MGA in key local, state, and national settings, including governmental and community contexts. Serve as primary point of contact for legislative and community stakeholders and build relationships with policymakers/legislators, community leaders, and other external partners. Serve as the primary liaison for the University with local, state, and federal government entities.

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement communication strategies to promote the university's mission, initiatives, and goals to external governmental and community agencies. Work with marketing and communications staff to shape MGA's public reputation.

• Government Relations: Monitor and assess local, state, and federal policies and legislation impacting higher education, advocating on behalf of the university. Collaborate with state and national education organizations and legislators to advance MGA's interests. Track key pieces of legislation and policy issues impacting higher education and appropriations at both the state and federal level. Attend appropriate committee and staff meetings as required and be prepared to present and advocate on behalf of the institution. Represent MGA to the Government Relations team and support the Government Relations activity of the USG.

Community Relations (20%)

• Partnership Development: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with business, civic, and higher education leaders to create strategic collaborations that enhance MGA's growth and community impact.

• Community-Campus Relations: Supervise and direct staff and lead a strategic community-relations plan that ensures local campus engagement in its community.

• External Relations Management: Provide leadership during public-facing crises, working closely with the President and Marketing Communications to ensure a unified, strategic response to issues affecting the university.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Other projects and duties as assigned by the President.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or bachelor's degree with professional equivalency of graduate degree

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated management skills in goal setting and staff supervision and evaluation.
• Must reside within commuting distance of the Macon Campus.

Required Experience

• Extensive executive leadership and government relations experience.
• Proven experience in relationship building and government/community relations practices.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia policies, procedures, practices, requirements, and reporting structures.
• Maintain sufficient accessibility to MGA campuses for in-person engagement, collaboration, and operational needs.

Preferred Experience

• Senior Administrative experience in higher education and/or public service.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proven and sustained success in governmental and legislative relations, including successful outcomes where policy or financial outcomes were the objectives.
• Proven and sustained success in managing community engagements, cross organizational projects and relationships that have delivered enhanced effectiveness and reputation for an organization and its local community.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
• Proven track record of supervising, directing, motivating and evaluating a team of individuals and demonstrating high quality standards of operation for the department and unit.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and information, draw conclusions, and produce reports, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with personnel matters and sensitive information.
• Ability to understand the unique culture of public higher education.
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette.
• Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
• Skill in collaborating with multiple constituents.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the university effectively in all settings.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, balancing the needs of external stakeholders with internal university operations.
• Expertise in building relationships with key external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and industry representatives.
• Leadership abilities, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate teams, facilitate complex discussions, and manage multiple workstreams.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Institutional Values

Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6, federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt (salaried) staff position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check

Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.