Vice Chancellor for University Affairs

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Closing Date:

Type of Position: Leadership - Institutional Officer

Workstudy Position: No

Job Type: Regular

Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available: No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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.

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Department: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Summary of Job Duties: The Vice Chancellor for University Affairs at UA Little Rock plays a crucial role in building strategic relationships that advance the university’s mission while aligning with the priorities of federal, state, and local governments. Serving as the primary governmental liaison for the university, this leader will work to identify shared interests, such as workforce development, reskilling, and economic growth, and facilitate ways to collaborate on these priorities. By fostering partnerships and securing support for university programs, the Vice Chancellor will enhance UA Little Rock’s impact on academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Through this collaborative approach, they will ensure that UA Little Rock’s expertise and resources are integrated into broader regional efforts, demonstrating the university’s value and relevance beyond the campus.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator who builds and strengthens relationships with government officials to advance the university’s priorities and facilitate collaboration on common goals. As a participant in statewide higher education government relations efforts, the Vice Chancellor will play an integral role in advancing the university’s legislative and policy goals in collaboration with other university government liaisons. The Vice Chancellor for University Affairs reports to the Chancellor and is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• 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.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• 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;

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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:

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Christian O'Neal
Vice Chancellor of Advancement
(501) 916-6434

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site UASYS. Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry

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.

Constant Physical Activity: N/A

Frequent Physical Activity: N/A

Occasional Physical Activity: Driving, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Benefits Eligible: Yes