We're Hiring: Director of Government Relations

News & Insights

We're Hiring: Director of Government Relations

Posted on August 28, 2025
at 7:06 am

Description

Director of Government Relations, Community Colleges for Iowa (CCforIA)

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Government Relations leads the strategic development and execution of CCforIA’s government relations, advocacy, and policy agenda. This role requires expertise in state legislative processes, higher education policy, and strategic communications. The Director serves as the primary liaison between CCforIA and government officials, regulatory bodies, and other key stakeholders. This role shapes policy strategy and advocacy efforts to advance the mission of Iowa’s community colleges and ensure their priorities are represented at the state and federal levels.

LOCATION: Community Colleges for Iowa Office, 855 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309

SALARY RANGE: $85,000-$110,000

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

TIMELINE: Apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Annette Heffron at aheffron@ccforiowa.org by Sept. 26, 2025. Applications will be considered as they are received. Ideal start date is November or December 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

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Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Higher Education, or a related field.

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Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs.

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Demonstrated success in advocating for policy positions with elected officials and government agencies.

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Knowledge of Iowa’s legislative processes and state government operations.

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Proven leadership abilities in managing advocacy strategies, legislative tracking, and coalition building.

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Strategic thinking, communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills.

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Ability to represent Iowa’s community colleges effectively and credibly in high-level meetings and public settings.

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Strong organizational and project management skills with the capacity to prioritize multiple initiatives under deadlines.

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Proficiency with technology tools relevant to advocacy, communications, and office productivity.

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Preferred

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Advanced degree (Master’s, JD, or equivalent) in Public Policy, Law, Political Science, Higher Education, or a related field.

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Experience in higher education, ideally within community college systems.

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Established relationships with Iowa policymakers, agencies, and higher education stakeholders.

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Experience managing PAC compliance and grassroots advocacy programs.

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Prior leadership within professional associations or coalitions.

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DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Strategy

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Work with the executive director and contract lobbyists to develop and lead CCforIA’s comprehensive government affairs strategy in alignment with organizational goals.

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Advise on legislative and regulatory issues impacting Iowa’s community colleges.

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Work with the contract lobbyists to advise the Executive Director, Board, and Presidents’ Council on emerging legislative trends, opportunities, and risks.

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Provide high-level briefings and strategic counsel to leadership on policy developments.

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Advocacy and External Relations

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Build and sustain trusted relationships with state legislators, executive branch officials, regulatory agencies, and key policymakers.

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Represent CCforIA at legislative hearings, agency meetings, and stakeholder events.

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Direct engagement strategies with statewide and national higher education coalitions.

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Coordinate with legal counsel as appropriate.

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Policy Development and Analysis

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Collaborate to develop legislative proposals, policy briefs, reports, and issue advocacy materials.

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Oversee tracking and analysis of legislation, regulatory changes, and state/federal policy trends.

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Work with communications team to ensure policy positions are clearly articulated and effectively communicated to external audiences.

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Coalition Building and Grassroots Engagement

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Strengthen and expand grassroots advocacy networks in support of CCforIA’s policy objectives.

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Oversee PAC operations, compliance, and strategic investments in alignment with organizational priorities.

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Lead communication strategies to engage stakeholders, including Presidents, Trustees, staff, and students, in advocacy efforts.

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Organizational Leadership

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Collaborate closely with internal teams to align communications, marketing, and public relations strategies with advocacy efforts.

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Support board operations and initiatives of the Iowa Association of Community College Presidents.

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GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Consistent with standard office environments; some travel within Iowa required. Occasional overnight travel and attendance at events outside regular business hours.