Director of Legislative Affairs

TITLE: Director of Legislative Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Office of the President

REPORTS TO: President 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Director of Legislative Affairs communicates Kentucky State University's (KSU) funding needs and legislative priorities to federal, state, and local governments, and leads the University's federal relations efforts. Reporting directly to the President and working in consultation with university administrators and executives, the Director develops and executes a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that supports KSU's mission and strategic goals.

This position serves as the University's primary liaison to elected officials at all levels and collaborates closely with alumni, the Office of Advancement, and senior leadership to advocate for public higher education and support for KSU.

Key responsibilities include developing legislative strategies, promoting KSU's legislative agenda, building and maintaining relationships with members of the Kentucky General Assembly and Congress, coordinating legislative initiatives across the institution, and preparing legislative summary reports for the President and the executive leadership team.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• In collaboration with the President and his leadership team, develops and manages KSU's strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for Kentucky State University.
• Works with the College leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues for KSU.
• Coordinates with various department to support student legislative programs and initiatives.
• Communicates and advocates the university priorities to local, regional, state and national elected officials and staff.
• Builds relationships with community stakeholders to support institutional interests. 
• Coordinates advocacy efforts around legislation directly related to higher education and institutional interests.
• Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates and advises leadership and staff about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with staff to analyze potential impacts on the institution while communicating with institutional community to inform them of relevant government issues.
• Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including the institution and KSU Thorobred Foundation.
• Prepares materials in support of the KSU's government relations agenda, such as talking points, summaries, reports, and official communications. Coordinates with communication teams to ensure alignment with university messaging.
• Plans and implements government-related events such as campus visits, meetings, and briefings.
• Performs all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of higher education systems and legislative processes, particularly within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with elected officials and institutional stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and professional communication skills.
• Experience in partnership development, preferably with government and higher education sectors.
• Ability to work effectively in team settings and across departments.
• Ability to analyze and respond to legislative proposals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position may include supervision of staff, interns, or student workers involved in government relations, public affairs, or legislative programs. The Director of Legislative Affairs provides leadership, guidance, and coordination to ensure successful implementation of legislative initiatives and institutional advocacy efforts.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  
   

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily based in a professional office environment.
• Frequent travel required to attend legislative sessions, meetings, conferences, and events involving government officials and external stakeholders.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, based on legislative schedules and institutional priorities.
• Fast-paced and high-pressure environment with frequent deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Involves prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and public speaking.
• Must be able to represent the university professionally in both formal and informal settings.
• Requires handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and responsiveness expected in all interactions

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.