Job location: Los Angeles, CA

Position Summary:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology seeks a Public Affairs professional to lead our efforts to engage stakeholders and potential stakeholders to generate support for our critical initiatives as well as support our overall mission to train and educate future generations of multi-culturally competent, mental and behavioral health, health science and nursing professionals.

Under the guidance/supervision of the Executive Director of Communications & Public Affairs and the University President, the Public Affairs Manager develops and implements strategies to advance the University’s relationships with all our important stakeholders and potential stakeholders. This includes government agencies and policymakers; other higher education institutions; community and faith-based leaders; healthcare advocacy organizations; and any other important audiences whose support can help us advance our vision and mission. This position will be based out of the Los Angeles, California Campus.

The Public Affairs Manager will work closely with TCSPP Communications staff to utilize communications strategies to advance their work. The ideal candidate for this position has considerable experience working with elected officials and has perhaps served on a policymaker’s staff.

The Public Affairs Manager will dedicate their initial efforts to working with the Executive Director to develop a comprehensive public affairs plan, which must include a strict timeline and metrics.

The Public Affairs Manager stays on top of all relevant policy development and researches those issues to ensure the President is regularly briefed. In addition, this position will create opportunities for the President to participate or present at vital private and public healthcare forums. The Public Affairs Manager serves as a day-to-day liaison with the governmental bodies, and other constituencies on behalf of the President, and collaborates on any digital content opportunities that can posted on the President’s digital platforms.

Periodically, the Public Affairs Manager will be called upon to represent the President and the University on external boards or committees and at important events designed to advance TCSPP public affairs strategies.

The Public Affairs Manager will collaborate with all other TCSPP departments and staff, especially Advancement and Alumni Relations, and seek opportunities to support their programs and initiatives.

Apply by December 31, 2020 for best consideration.

Principal Duties:

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities to promote TCSPP programs and initiatives to increase the University’s and the President’s visibility and impact
• Tracking legislative and regulatory activity of potential impact to the initiatives supported by the President and the University
• Provides briefings, investigates public issues and secures timely, accurate answers on various issues and policy concerns.
• Coordinates in-person and video conferencing contact with government officials and their staff.
• Prepares the President for meetings with public officials, and other important stakeholders.
• Maintains effective relationships with regional mental and healthcare organizations and related government agencies and makes routine public presentations and speaks on the University’s behalf, as assigned.
• Assists in planning meetings and special events related to public policy issues, and handles special assignments of a confidential nature.
• Coordinates with Communications staff to provide strategic and frequent social media content and content recommendations.
• Actively participates in a wide variety of social media activities such as blogging, posting, and content creation.
• Monitors external news and developments on issues of interest with an eye toward opportunities for promotion of the Presidents and the University.
• Researches, facilitates and develops creative presentations for social media and business meetings

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven project management and decision-making skills
• Strong writing skills
• Self-directed, proactive and energetic approach to their work

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Political Science, Policy, Journalism, Communications or similar field
• 6+ years professional experience in public affairs, strategy, consulting or communications
• Proven track record of advancing thought leadership within a relevant field or industry, and experience consistently delivering original thinking across multiple topics
• Experience working under time constraints and deadlines
• Strong contacts with local or state policymakers and/or staff

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an Equal Opportunity Employer.