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Director of Policy and Advocacy, Division of Government Relations, Advocacy, and Economic Development - UT System Administration

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Position Number: 6127986
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Economic and Business Development

Director of Policy and Advocacy, Division of Government Relations, Advocacy, and Economic Development - UT System Administration
Nashville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 2519
Job Category: Government Relations
Posting Date: 04/07/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 312 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37243, US

Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Director of Policy and Advocacy will advance the Division of Government Relations, Advocacy, and Economic Development by supporting critical policy analysis and advocacy work. The position will primarily focus on assisting with policy-related research and reviewing proposed legislation with impact on higher education. The position will also work to grow and strengthen UT's advocacy efforts, specifically focusing on cultivating UT's top advocates to help provide additional grassroots support on behalf of the University.

Responsibilities
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Policy Analysis and Development

Provide assistance with legislative and regulatory analysis, identifying and tracking pieces of legislation that impact the university
Conduct policy-related research on a wide variety of topics of interest and of consequence to the University of Tennessee System and its statewide mission
Assist in developing policy arguments and talking points targeted to various key government relations and advocacy audiences and stakeholder groups
Provide assistance with coordinating responses to legislative inquiries, including but not limited to requests for information, fiscal note support forms, and various mandatory reports required by the General Assembly and other government entities
Assist with maintaining UT Government Relations bill tracking database
Assess weekly legislative schedules and calendars for necessary engagement on key issues
Conduct redline analysis of filed legislation to assist campus and system stakeholders in determining impact
Monitor activity of government entities that may impact various aspects of University interests, including but not limited to legislative hearings, summer studies, and other hearings/meetings spanning the calendar year

Advocacy Program Support

Ensure consistent, meaningful communication on a regular basis with UT advocates through various communications vehicles
Work in close partnership with UT Alumni Association and UT Foundation to help identify key alumni and donor stakeholders to advance university priorities
Assist with planning key advocacy events including but not limited to Alumni Legislative Council meetings
Develop strategic outreach plans for UT advocates to build stronger legislative relationships and support for UT priorities
Assist with the development of the UT Advocacy website and related communication content
Partner with UT Foundation and UT Alumni Association on efforts to build UT's advocacy strategy
Assist with maintenance and segmentation of the UT Advocacy database
Grow the engagement and identify new opportunities for advocates to engage with key legislative stakeholders

Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree is required.

Minimum 3 years of experience in legislative advocacy, government and/or political and policy-making process.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

Working knowledge of state legislative tracking databases and systems
Ability to quickly and accurately analyze and communicate about complex legislative proposals
Ability to navigate and understand the Tennessee Code Annotated
Ability to compare proposed legislation with current law
Understanding of legislative process, political climate, and higher education policy issues
Ability to think creatively and propose alternatives
Skilled written and verbal communicator
Ability to frame issues for appropriately different audiences
Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Excellent communication and public speaking skills, and an ability to establish rapport
Experience working with a website content management system (experience using WordPress is a plus)

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree

Application Process
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation
Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience within the market range.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

About Us
The University of Tennessee System is the state's oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee's 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2519/?mode=location