Job DetailsLevel EntryJob Location Main Campus - Edmond, OKPosition Type StaffSalary Range $37,482.00 - $37,482.00 Salary/yearDescription

Department Overview:

UCO recognizes the importance of developing collaborative relationships at the local, state and national level to ensure the continuation of this success. To best serve the needs of students and the greater Oklahoma City metro, UCO emphasizes partnerships with government, business and community leaders.

Public Affairs implements initiatives promoting conversations and the exchange of ideas between state leaders and the UCO community. These practices enable UCO to advance services and partnerships benefiting the metro community.

Position Overview: The Public Affairs Specialist will track and organize current and pending legislation and conduct legislative research exercising knowledge on potential campus community impacts. Assist with coordination of institutional messaging and educational opportunities with the campus and local communities. The Public Affairs specialist will coordinate with the campus community and campus governing bodies, manage event logistics, and identify possible outreach and collaboration opportunities as it relates to the university’s Public Affairs initiatives. The Specialist will coordinate and help manage legislative visits and campus messaging to governmental partners exercising knowledge and independent judgement on potential impacts to the UCO community. Supports the department and staff initiatives and projects. Manages fiscal and purchasing processes. Organizes logistics for meetings with key community and government partners. Assists senior staff with content for event and outreach materials interfacing with community partners and communication for the department of Public Affairs. Provide administrative support for department. Other duties as assigned. Requires some nights/weekends.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

• Track and research legislation and initiatives impacting UCO and higher education.
• Plan and coordinate legislative visits to create or maintain awareness of institutional goals and objectives.
• Manage office administrative tasks and update and assemble department materials. Coordinate area events and partnerships, communications, and/or logistical needs. Track department expenses and purchases.
• Oversee website and outreach creation.
• Outreach and build partnerships with campus community.

Scope and Impact: This position is an intermediate-level independent contributor whose actions may have a significant impact on a department's operations. May affect operations of multiple work areas. Budget Authority: May provide input into budget development by identifying operational needs and requirements. May assist with research, requirements gathering or other related efforts to develop budgetary requirements. Policy and Procedure Authority: Primarily responsible for applying organizational policies and procedures and/or determining appropriate process to follow. Reports to: Generally reports to a manager or higher but may receive basic operational guidance from senior level staff. Supervisory Responsibility: May provide functional subject matter expertise and guidance to junior staff. Effective Knowledge: Demonstrates functional expertise in a particular domain. Demonstrates ability to operate independently and without supervision for day to day operations. Problem Solving: Maintains working knowledge of policies and procedures and methods. Resolves day to day operational issues. Solutions may include modifying procedures and methods to address new conditions. This role includes broad responsibilities requiring the application of policies to dynamic and complex conditions. Communication & Interaction: Interacts with various levels within or outside the University to provide service; interpret and explain ideas and concepts as well as resolve issues.

Qualifications

Qualifications / Experience Required: Requires a Bachelor's degree in job related field plus 3+ years of relevant experience in the chosen field or 7+ years of equivalent work experience that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.

Experience Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Communications, Business, or other related field. Organizational leadership experience or other applicable leadership experience. Experience with Oklahoma state legislation and working with student/faculty/ staff associations and educational bodies. Experience coordinating large scale and high-profile community events. Experience with Oklahoma legislative and higher education policies and procedures. Experience working effectively with a variety of constituencies including students, faculty, staff, community and government leaders. Understanding of institutional policies, procedures, campus and community partnerships and governing bodies. A valid Oklahoma Driver’s License.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively work with a diverse array of stakeholders. Excellent computer and technology skills. Organizational and time management skills and an acute attention to detail. Ability to multi-task, addressing and pursing several projects simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. Excellent initiative and logistical skills and a strong work ethic. A high degree of energy, creativity, initiative, and flexibility.

Physical Demands:

Repetitive movement of hands and fingers - typing and/or writing. Frequent standing, and/or sitting. Occasional walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Visually identify, observe and assess. Ability to communicate with supervisor/students/colleagues. Regular physical attendance required.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.