Vice Chancellor for University Affairs

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

• A Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field is required;
• Must have at least seven (7) years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field with a proven track record of advocacy and experience interacting with elected officials.

• Ten (10) years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field with a proven track record of advocacy and experience interacting with elected officials;
• Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, a Juris Doctorate (JD), or another related advanced degree is strongly preferred;

• Serve as the primary liaison between UA Little Rock and government officials, advocating for the university's priorities, including academic and research initiatives, and presenting its impact to federal, state, and local governments;
• Serve on a team of higher education legislative liaisons from the state's higher education institutions;
• Enhance UA Little Rock's presence at the Arkansas State Capitol, working with legislators, the Governor's office, state agencies, and local officials to promote the university's initiatives;
• Identify and/or develop opportunities for new federal, state, and local funding and resources for major University initiatives, research, programs, and capital projects;
• Identify emerging regulatory issues and emerging federal, state, and local legislation that may affect the University's programs, mission and student body and lead the development of a strategic and organized approach for advocating the University's position;
• Serve as policy advisor to the Chancellor on all public policies and issues relating to federal, state and local governments;
• Develop and prepare position statements which represent the best interests of the university. Build and enhance relations with external stakeholders and government officials by developing, educating, and communicating the University's position on these policies. Lead efforts to ensure that UA Little Rock's needs are effectively represented year-round with members of the state legislature, the Governor's Office, and appropriate state agencies;
• Monitor and track legislative developments that impact higher education, coordinating responses, and advising university leadership on the implications of legislative actions both during sessions and throughout the year;
• Conduct research on the history of relevant legislation and policy issues that impact higher education and UA Little Rock's mission. This includes analyzing the background and context of legislative actions to inform strategic decision-making and advocacy efforts;
• Build partnerships with government agencies to align UA Little Rock's academic and community programs with state and national economic development goals;
• Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans to promote UA Little Rock's mission to policy makers and community leaders, ensuring a strong and clear message about the university's contributions to the state;
• Collaborate with UA Little Rock's leadership and departments to advocate for policies and funding that support the university's priorities, including research, teaching, and service;
• Lead campus efforts in preparing presentations and briefings, ensuring elected officials receive clear and compelling communications on UA Little Rock's programs, advancements, and internal priorities;
• Prepare or assist others in preparing appropriate communication materials responding to legislative inquiries;
• Oversee the university's federal relations program, including preparing funding strategies, building relationships with congressional offices, and coordinating UA Little Rock's annual congressional appropriations requests;
• Provide oversight for the University District initiative-a large-scale urban revitalization project addressing food insecurity, affordable housing, and community engagement efforts with local businesses and organizations surrounding the UA Little Rock campus;
• Coordinate the advocacy efforts of UA Little Rock alumni and supporters, leveraging their relationships to further the university's government relations strategy;
• Implement policies governing the use of university facilities by external entities, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws on freedom of expression and prohibitions against the university taking sides on political issues;
• Provide strategic advice to the Chancellor and university leadership on public policy, legislative developments, and external engagement opportunities that impact UA Little Rock's future. Provide comprehensive reports and briefings to university leadership on the legislative and policy landscape, highlighting historical context and potential future impacts on the university's priorities.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data in order to provide insightful recommendations for advocacy and strategic positioning;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate to a variety of audiences;
• Solid understanding of state legislative and federal processes and higher education policy;
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, build strategic relationships, and drive positive outcomes;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research into the history of laws, regulations, and policy issues, with a focus on understanding the broader legislative and social context in which these laws were enacted.

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.