Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Oregon State University Extension and Engagement invites applications for a Director of Extension External Relations position. This is a full-time, 12-month, professional faculty position based in Corvallis, Oregon.

In collaboration with University Governmental Relations, the OSU Extension and Engagement executive team, and the Director of Extension Communications and Marketing, this position will have a vital role providing leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of Extension and Engagement advocacy and legislative priorities. The position will develop and manage a strategy for the Division of Extension and Engagement (Division) to strengthen relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increase their understanding of and support for OSU Extension and Engagement. This position will provide strategic direction for the Division executive team to build external relationships and government engagement strategies, while serving as an internal expert on advocacy. By supporting the strong ties between Oregon State University and city, county, state, and federal elected and appointed officials, this position will help ensure the Division is prepared to successfully engage with stakeholder groups, county commissions, the legislature and federal delegation.

The Director of Extension External Relations will specifically:

• Build a comprehensive Extension stakeholder network that can be engaged to support the Division’s priorities
• Collaborate with Oregon League of Cities
• Collaborate with Oregon Association of Counties
• Assist in developing and supporting the Division’s local, state, and federal priorities and engagement strategies
• Collaborate with Friends of Outdoor School
• Oversee external consultants that may support the Division’s engagement strategy
• Oversee the design and implementation of programs and training to enhance internal and external stakeholder’ advocacy skills and tools.

 About the division:

The Division of Extension and Engagement (Division) is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The Division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our Division and its core units and initiatives, please visit our website: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu.

Commitment to inclusive excellence:

Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment.

OSU Moving Forward Together

https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together

Position Duties:

This position embeds the commitment of the university to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed and practices a welcoming and respectful workplace culture.

90% – Extension External Relations and Division Leadership

Develop and execute long-term community & external relations objectives on behalf of the Division that engages and motivates key local and state constituencies to be knowledgeable about and actively supportive of Oregon State University’s land grant mission and specifically OSU Extension’s programing. To be successful, it will be important to be able to build coalitions of stakeholder and legislative support across a wide array of geographical, political, and economic interests to advocate on the behalf of OSU Extension.

In coordination with Extension leadership, the university’s Office of Government Relations, OSU Statewides program leaders and stakeholders, advise the development of OSU Extension’s state and federal legislative priorities, supporting materials and advocacy strategies.

Work with Office of Government Relations to track and monitor legislation impacting and of interest to OSU Extension. Gather the Division’s feedback on legislation and provide the Office of Government Relations with the Division of Extension and Engagement’s analysis of legislation’s policy and fiscal impacts. Assist the Office of Government Relations in coordinating testimony from Extension leadership and faculty and fulfilling legislative requests for information.

Coordinate with the Office of Government Relations on federal delegation engagements that highlight Extension programing, community impacts and faculty contributions.

Work with regional and county Extension leadership and staff to monitor issues impacting Extension programing, inform appropriate Extension leadership, and develop and implement engagement/advocacy strategies for positives outcomes.

Ensure that Extension’s advocacy efforts align with and support OSU’s overall state and federal budget, policy, and program priorities.

Division Leadership:
Serve as a member of the Division’s Executive Team, advising the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement (VPEE) on matters related to the Division’s initiatives and operations and participating in shared strategic thinking and collaboration in support of the VPEE agenda and initiatives.

Provide counsel to the VPEE and other executive Division leaders in the development and implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives that involve the Division’s mission, external funding, and political reputation.

Keep the Division’s Executive Team apprised of salient state issues, including developments regarding state legislative, budgetary, and regulatory activity that may affect the Division.

Assist with crisis and issues management, in partnership with other university leaders.

Collaborate with key partners, including the Oregon State University Foundation and Oregon State University Alumni Association. At times, this may include participating in events and supporting donor cultivation and stewardship. When doing so, the Director is in an official OSU capacity.

Travel is required to fulfill the position’s responsibilities.

10% – Service

Maintain active membership and participation in appropriate professional organizations.

Serve on Extension & Engagement and Extension Service committees at state, regional and national levels.

Serve on university committees as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communication, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other applicable field.

Five (5) years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility and authority in conducting government affairs with exposure to policy, education, and public finance issues.

Evidence of strong communication skills, including persuasive presentation and public speaking engagements.

Evidence of strong interpersonal skills.

Proven ability to build effective partnerships.

Ability to plan strategically, build consensus, influence decisions, manage change, articulate priorities, and execute plans for external relations.

A demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A deep understanding of Oregon and state government structures and processes, and, with city, county, and federal knowledge.

Passion for service as a representative of higher education in Oregon to city, county, state, and community leaders.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSUor the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

To review posting and apply, go to:  https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/141643. Apply to posting #P07166UF. Closes August 31, 2023. OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled.