Director, Governmental Relations

The Director of Governmental Relations serves as the primary liaison between Gateway Technical College and local, state, and federal governmental bodies. This role is responsible for monitoring legislative activities, assessing their impact on the college, and executing strategies to advance the college's interests through advocacy and relationship building. A key focus of this position is to empower and train members of the college community to act as advocates for Gateway's mission, ensuring the institution has a consistent and strategic voice in policy conversations.

This position reports directly to the President/CEO to ensure cross-college authority and visibility.

Legislative Advocacy and Training

• Serve as Gateway's primary liaison to local, state, and federal legislators and their staffers.

• Monitor and analyze state, local, and federal government activities and related filings to assess potential outcomes, benefits, or risks to the institution.

• Develop and implement training programs for students, staff, Board Members, and the Executive Leadership Council on how to effectively engage with governmental leaders and advocate for college needs.

• Coordinate legislative meetings and briefings for college leadership and student government.

• Advise the President and leadership on emerging policy issues impacting technical colleges.

Strategic Partnerships and Funding

• Engage with other college areas to support external partnerships with chambers of commerce, industry associations, K-12 districts, and higher education partners.

• Identify and help secure project funds through community project funding, congressionally directed spending, and other external investment opportunities.

• Manage community sponsorships and external investments, ensuring alignment with the college mission and a strong return on investment.

• Nurture collaborative partnerships with community organizations that support student success for all students.

Administrative and Operational Duties

• Prepare internal and external business documents, legislative briefings, reports, and presentations.

• Represent the college at community meetings, city council sessions, and county board meetings.

• Conduct annual reviews of policies and procedure changes from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and other entities to maintain compliance.

• Maintain established relationships with legislators, community partners, and advocacy groups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferably Political Science, Government, Law, or Communications

• At least five (5) to eight (8) years of related experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy.

• General knowledge of or the ability to quickly acquire general knowledge of local, Wisconsin and Federal governmental processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in a related field.

• Experience working within a higher education or technical college environment.

• Proven track record of securing governmental funding or grants.

Other Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare accurate reports.

• Strong diplomacy skills and the ability to make sound judgments under pressure.

• Effective problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including students and government officials.

DIVISION/LOCATION: Office of the President / Kenosha

COMP GRADE: 31

FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.

• Employment is contingent upon an acceptable background and reference check.

• Flexibility is needed to accommodate evening and weekend for student and business needs, including legislative sessions.

• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license for routine travel within the district and to the state capital.

Gateway will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law.