Assistant Vice President for State Relations

VP for External Affairs, Rose Hill

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City.  Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 4 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for External Affairs, the Assistant Vice President for State Relations is a critical member of Fordham’s government relations and advocacy team based in Albany, NY, with regular travel to Fordham’s Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester campuses. In collaboration with several University partners, including the Offices of the President, Academic Affairs, Sponsored Research, Administration, Communications, and Development and University Relations, the position will be responsible for the development and implementation of Fordham’s strategic agenda with the Governor’s office, State Legislature, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The Assistant Vice President is responsible for amplifying Fordham’s presence with decision-makers in order to advance the University’s mission. The Assistant Vice President will be a leader within Fordham’s Division of External Affairs, and ensure the development and implementation of Fordham’s strategic vision by working closely with the Director of Federal Relations, Community Affairs, Center for Community Engaged Learning, and Bronx Green Jobs Center.

The successful candidate will have a proactive, enterprising, and highly collaborative approach to the position. They must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, and have both extensive relationships among State decision-makers, and an advanced understanding of the legislative, budgetary, rule-making, and research/operational grant allocation process for the benefit of campus colleagues. Key responsibilities for the individual in this role include, but are not limited to:

1. Serving as the University’s primary point of contact with State decision-makers on all matters of policy, legislation, and budget
2. Identifying and pursuing federal research/operational grant opportunities with agencies
3. Preparing the President, members of leadership, and all students, faculty, and staff when opportunities arise to interface with elected and appointed officials, their staff, and agency representatives
4. Partnering with associations such as the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), and systems such as the State University of New York, City University of New York, and many other public and independent institutional allies

Essential Functions        

• Manages and strengthens Fordham’s relationships with elected and appointed state officials and agencies, in particular the New York Executive Chamber, Education Department, New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, Dormitory Authority of New York State, Empire State Development, Higher Education Services Corps, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York Power Authority, and others as required.
• Monitors State legislation, rules, and regulations that impact Fordham and the constituencies the University serves, and develops an institutional response. Assists in the development of University-approved legislative initiatives and securing appropriation authority.
• Develops a comprehensive lobbying and advocacy strategy. Identifies research and operational grant funding opportunities and partners with campus colleagues in pursuit of these strategies.
• Provides strategic guidance, training, and support for the President, members of leadership, and all campus colleagues as opportunities arise to interface with decision-makers.
• Works closely with campus colleagues to identify Albany-based opportunities that amplify Fordham’s mission, through keynote speaking events, sponsored events, industry partnerships, shared advocacy objectives, and more.
• Tracks and files all necessary disclosures and filings on behalf of the University and its employees.
• Assists in the development of the University’s positions on policy and fiscal objectives.
• Analyzes state executive budget submissions to determine potential institutional fiscal and programmatic impacts.
• In conjunction with the Vice President of External Affairs and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, serves as a spokesperson for the University on state matters.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities  

Supervises the work of other Fordham employees who are individual contributors. Responsible for hiring, training and developing, managing performance and administering corrective action. Has significant input in compensation decisions.

Additional Functions      

• Supports the planning and coordination of events with Fordham alumni who work throughout the state government.
• Conducts monthly informational webinars for campaign colleagues on federal developments and opportunities.
• Speaks on public policy issues at meetings and conventions.
• Works with a variety of not-for-profit associations to develop and execute legislative advocacy positions.
• Ensures collaboration with other nonprofit and public institutions of higher education in pursuit of the University’s priorities.
• Responds to inquiries or requests for assistance on federal issues, legislation, and regulations.
• Prepares position memos, testimony, and other materials as needed.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience        

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of six (6) years’ executive and/or legislative experience as a staffer and/or lobbyist, and not subject to a lobbying ban.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills     

• Excellent management, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Strong knowledge and experience in developing grassroots mobilization and advocacy campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of state appropriations and rulemaking processes.
• Strong experience working with government and regulatory agencies.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of policy development, with strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong knowledge of higher education policy and practices.
• Experience in coordinating legislative grants and contracting processes.
• Experience in coalition-building.
• Familiarization with utilizing social media, traditional media, and other tactics as part of a broader advocacy strategy.
• Ability to multitask and to work well in a high-level, high-profile environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Preferred Qualifications 

Minimum Starting Salary: $160,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $175,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/9814

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools.  It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

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