The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges is a nonprofit, volunteer membership association and the primary advocate for Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. Based in Harrisburg, PA, its members include the college presidents, members of the colleges’ boards of trustees and key college administrators. The Commission provides leadership on issues affecting the colleges and represents the collective needs, vision, and values of the colleges to state and federal policymakers.
The Commission also assists the colleges in developing positions on their areas of concern, acts as a liaison and facilitator to share information, and coordinates data collection on a statewide level to support the colleges’ advocacy efforts.
The Commission is seeking a full-time Director of Government Relations to advocate the Commission’s public policy agenda at the state level and influence decision makers to promote the best interest of community colleges, their students, and employees.
The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) and a minimum of three years of professional experience in government relations in an educational institution, government agency, General Assembly, or related nonprofit entity.
The candidate must be able to read, understand and interpret legislation and should have general knowledge of education/higher education policy and funding.
The candidate should possess interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with community college leadership, elected and appointed governmental officials, and other key stakeholders and must possess the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
This position has the potential for up to 40 percent remote work with in-office and in-person meetings as required.
The Commission’s employee benefits include health, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, an employer matched retirement plan and a generous leave policy. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected].
The Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred in public policy, public administration, political science or a related field.
A minimum of three years of professional experience in governmental relations in an educational institution, government agency, General Assembly, or related nonprofit agency.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Ability to read, understand and analyze:
- Pennsylvania Public School Code
- Bills and amendments filed in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including the General Appropriations Act.
Superior organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with community college leadership, elected and appointed governmental officials, and other key stakeholders.
Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and in a group setting.
Ability to work under changing priorities and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Ability to work unpredictable hours when necessary.
Working conditions
The Commission is a small office-based organization with flexible working options. The Commission has four other full-time employees and part-time contracted positions. Dress is business casual to professional depending upon occasion. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. This position will require occasional travel within Pennsylvania.
Physical requirements
The physical demands are typical of an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Application deadline: November 23, 2022
For a printable job description in PDF format, please click here. For more information about the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, visit www.pacommunitycolleges.org.