General Job Summary  

The Director of Special Projects and Federal Policy Advisor serves the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council). Under the administrative direction of the Chancellor, performs complex administrative/technical work in developing and implementing new public higher education initiatives or special projects.  Serves as senior policy advisor, drafting policy proposals based on federal and regional higher education policy research. Issues addressed stem from the responsibilities vested in the Commission and the Council to coordinate and oversee the administration of public higher education in the State.

Classification:       Full-time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, implementation, review, deliverables, and closure of special projects or initiatives; and document all aspects of the projects or initiatives, working closely with assigned teams and management to ensure the scope-specific project or initiative direction is appropriate and complies with Commission and Council policies, procedures, missions, and goals.  

• Manage and deliver high priority projects and initiatives that advance the mission of the agencies, from the strategic/conceptual level to operational/implementation level.

• Conduct research; review, evaluate, and analyze statistical data, proposals, and administrative reports; prepare summaries, narrative analyses, and recommendations; facilitate, coordinate, and fulfill project challenges.  

• Develop and implement the assigned project components; production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; assess development; improve efficiency, workflow, and deliverables.

• Research federal and regional higher education policies and issues, and draft proposed recommendations or policies for the Chancellor or key agency executives to keep the Commission and the Council current regarding higher education policies and political developments at the federal and regional levels.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education:  Master’s degree in business administration, higher education administration, communications, or related field required.  

Work Experience: Five years of recent experience relevant to the position are required. The ideal candidate will have experience planning and implementing key strategic initiatives in a complex organization, preferably in a government or higher education setting. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the function, organization, regulations, and polices affecting public higher education.
• Knowledge of the principles of project administration and planning.
• Skill in project management and ability to work on project teams.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze narrative and statistical information and prepare clear and concise recommendations and proposals.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and recommend effective courses of action. 
• Ability to analyze project needs and develop team member and budget recommendations, including the ability to develop and maintain budgets.
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, including the ability to attend meetings and make public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, regional and national stakeholders, program leaders, and the public.
• Ability to foster teamwork, lead and positively influence others, and work cooperatively and effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to make decisions based on the relative weight of available data and information.
• Proficiency in use of computers for work processing, spreadsheet accounting, basic database management, e-mail, internet browsing, and use of presentation software.

Supplemental Information

Review of applications begins September 3, 2021; however, applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Application Process:
In addition to filling out the job application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest, a professional writing sample, and current contact information for three professional references. Details of relevant experience must be shown in the work section of your application to receive credit for your experience. 

Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.

Final salary offer will be commensurate with education and experience.  

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial, respectful and inclusive environment that values the diversity, creativity and contributions of its staff.