Policy Change Director jobs in Oklahoma

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY

OSU/A&M BOARD OF REGENTS

Executive/Administrative Office

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Public Policy works closely with the OSU/A&M Board of Regents and the leaders of its five institutions. Primary responsibilities of this position include managing communications with state officials on issues related to higher education.  The Director of Public Policy plays a lead role in shaping and advancing the board’s public policy initiatives. To perform effectively in this position, one must excel in directing engagement efforts with state officials, researching various public policy issues, writing reports, tracking and analyzing legislation, and providing verbal and written updates to the regents, presidents, and board and institutional staff. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer for the Offices of OSU/A&M Board of Regents

The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges was created on July 11, 1944, by Section 31a, Article 6, of the Oklahoma Constitution. The Board has the supervision, management, and control of five institutions, including Connors State College, Langston University, Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, and Oklahoma State University and its constituent agencies which include the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Agricultural Extension Division, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa.

LOCATION

This position is based out of the Executive/Administrative Office of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in Oklahoma City and requires frequent travel to Stillwater, Tulsa, and occasional travel to other locations throughout the state of Oklahoma.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

A bachelor’s degree or higher is required for this position. A master’s or professional degree is preferred.

Professional Experience

A minimum of six (6) years of related experience is required, and 10 years of related experience is preferred.

Other Competencies

·       Demonstrated history of ethical behavior and leadership.

·       Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.

·       Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in stressful situations.

·       Thorough understanding of legislative deadlines and procedures.

·       Experience as a staff member in a professional office with demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

·       Impeccable attention to detail, particularly in complex project coordination scenarios.

·       Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·       Extensive experience working with state government and knowledge of higher education operations and issues.

·       Manage interpersonal relationships both internally and externally through proactive engagement with stakeholders.

·       Maintain high level of confidentiality.

·       Excellent time management skills to align work product with legislative deadlines.

·       Engage with university and college constituency groups to better understand the needs of institutions in the OSU/A&M System.

·       Collaborate with institutional and board staff on various public policy issues related to higher education.

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.

·       Administrative skills and demonstrated effectiveness in policy development through work with governmental officials, policy organizations, and private foundations.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Tracks key legislative activity of interest to higher education in the state of Oklahoma; particularly those which directly affect the institutions governed by the Board.

·       Works with the OSU/A&M Board and its institutions on matters related to education, research, and policy development. 

·       Promotes the importance and necessity of a quality higher education system as it relates to Oklahoma’s economy and creating an educated workforce.

·       Maintains and develops relationships with key stakeholders and constituencies. 

·       Coordinates campus visits for Legislators and members of their staff.

·       Assists with planning and coordination of institution-related events at the State Capitol, such as Capitol Cowboys Day.

·       Coordinates communication between State government officials and the institutions governed by the Board.

·       Researches, analyzes, and synthesizes information, and produces background materials for stakeholder needs.

·       Coordinates with the CEO, Board, and Deputy Director of Public Policy to develop annual legislative priorities for the OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

·       Develop and implement interim work plan to engage State officials when legislature is not in session.

·       Exemplifies best practices for maintaining a professional and systematic approach to projects, maintaining thorough and organized records and detailed information about projects to ensure quality standards.

·       Works both independently and collaboratively in developing solutions amid complexity.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

·       Produces work outside of standard business hours, working occasional evenings and weekends throughout the year, with more frequent evening and weekend work hours expected during the legislative session.

HOW TO APPLY

To ensure full consideration, a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information for three references will continue to be accepted until a successful candidate is appointed.  Please submit application materials to: 

Director of Public Policy Search

Attn: Mr. Jason Ramsey, CEO

 via email:           board@okstate.edu

 via post:  900 North Portland Ave., Ste. 201, 

 Oklahoma City, OK  73107

Please contact the OSU A&M Board of Regents Executive Administrative Office with any questions related to this position at (405) 945-3263.

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