Assistant Director of External Relations

Title:

Assistant Director of External Relations

State Role Title:

Policy Planning Spec II

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience up to $130,000.00

Pay Band:

5

Agency:

State Council of Higher Educ

Location: State Council of Higher Educ

Agency Website:

https://www.schev.edu

Recruitment Type:

General Public - G

Job Duties
About the Organization
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is the coordinating body for the nation’s preeminent system of postsecondary education. SCHEV is responsible for: developing and promoting an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive and coordinated system of higher education; facilitating collaboration among postsecondary institutions that enhances academic quality and operational efficiency; developing and submitting recommendations to the executive and legislative branches on budgetary and policy matters; and providing advisory and/or regulatory guidance to the institutions.

SCHEV’s mission is to “promote the development and operation of an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive and coordinated system of higher education.” The Agency’s mission is for “SCHEV to be the recognized source for accurate information, meaningful innovation, and informed leadership in higher education.” SCHEV staff members work to ensure access and equity to the State’s colleges and universities for all individuals who can take advantage of the educational opportunities provided on campuses.

In 2026, the SCHEV Council (board) adopted a new statewide strategic plan for postsecondary education. Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education sets goals and strategies to address issues the Commonwealth likely will face over the next six years. The plan provides a roadmap for Virginia to be the “Top State for Talent” by 2032. In so doing, the plan will fulfill its objectives of ensuring the readiness of students and graduates, the responsiveness of colleges and universities, and the relevance of higher education.

About the Position
The Assistant Director for External Relations provides leadership and support for the agency’s interactions with a variety of external stakeholders, including the General Assembly, other state agencies, statewide organizations and others. The position coordinates with other divisions within the agency to understand and contribute to the priorities of the agency, the engagement and

Reporting to SCHEV’s Executive Director, the Assistant Director for External Relations will:

Facilitate the communication and presentation of Council and agency priorities to the General Assembly, its committees and individual members

Develop and advise the agency, executive leadership and the Council on potential strategies and opportunities to engage with external stakeholders in the interest of advancing state, Council, and agency priorities

Coordinate with the agency communications team and other SCHEV staff on messaging and presentation of agency perspectives, policy positions, and other agency communications with external stakeholders

Participate in regular convenings with the state’s public and private institutions of higher education, including liaisons to the public institutions

Support the participation of SCHEV staff in national and statewide conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience demonstrating the ability to track Federal and State legislation and coordinate legislative and policy changes with key contacts in other state agencies, the Secretariat of Education, Federal agencies, U.S. Congressional staff and industry associations.

Experience demonstrating the ability to analyze Federal and state policy and regulatory issues, and to develop position papers with recommendations to executive management.

Experience supporting, establishing and implementing strategic policy initiatives.

Experience networking with senior legislative staff, elected officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders to advance policy goals.

Ability to make presentations, give speeches, and present testimony and materials at the General Assembly Sessions, public meetings and/or industry conferences.

Excellent written communication skills.

Computer skills in operating Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Additional Considerations

Knowledge of the state’s higher education system and statewide strategic plan.

Considerable experience in a public policy role, preferably the General Assembly.

A work history demonstrating considerable experience collaborating and partnering with members of the General and state policymakers.

SCHEV values honesty, quality, diversity, inclusion, growth-orientation, personal well-being, equity, transparency, and accountability.

EEO Employer

Contact Information
Name: Taris Harmon

Phone: 804-2926482

Email: taris.harmon@dhrm.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

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