Executive Director, Government & Strategic Relations

The Executive Director serves as a trusted advisor to the President, advancing institutional priorities through stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and coordination of mission-aligned initiatives. This role serves as a key bridge between the College and external stakeholders, including local, state, and federal public officials; community leaders; business and industry partners; higher education partners; and other strategic constituents.

What You Will Do

Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, monitor legislative and public policy developments, coordinate the College's government relations strategy, cultivate relationships with elected officials and stakeholders, and represent the College at local, state, and federal meetings.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government, higher education, public policy, community relations, economic development, or related fields, with excellent written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in highly sensitive situations.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Public Policy, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Education, or related discipline
• Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government, higher education, public policy, community relations, economic development, or related fields
• Valid and in-State Valid Driver License
• PA Lobbyist Registration - Department of State (may be determined a requirement of the role in the future)
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead groups and foster an environment of teamwork and collaboration in complex organizational environments
• Exceptional political acumen and understanding of governmental processes
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in highly sensitive situations
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence and coordinate across organizational boundaries without direct authority
• Experience coordinating complex projects and initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
• Effective and strategic community involvement
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Pennsylvania and periodically out of state, including Washington, D.C., and other locations, and to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of College initiatives and stakeholder events

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurances
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University