Summary Description:

The Director of External Relations will serve as a member of the leadership team within the Department of Psychiatry. The Director will focus on internal matters of strategic importance to he University and serve as an external liaison for he University with local, state, regional and national constituencies. This position requires broad responsibility within the Department of Psychiatry in which the employee's primary tasks pertain to strategic decision-making, communications, and government relations. The Director of External Relations will promote effective communication between the Department of Psychiatry and key constituency groups within and outside the university. The Director will work with senior leaders in the department to advance the departments priorities on both federal and state policy and funding matters. The Director will support the institution's advocacy efforts with state and federal elected officials including the legislative bodies and executive branch staff. Activities include developing a strategic plan for federal and state relations shaped by annual priorities, and then working to advance these priorities by advocating on behalf of the University, monitoring legislation, and pointing out new ways in which the University can benefit from federal and state legislation or programs. The Director will act as the government liaison, working with the executive team to develop the department's legislative priorities and monitoring current legislation and government regulations. The director will be responsible for maintaining strategic business partnerships with government agencies and professional associations. The Director will develop and execute the department's overall development strategy to meet short-term and long-term fundraising goals. The Director will also create and implement public relations, marketing and/or communications strategies. The Director will also act as a roving ambassador to inform and connect the Department to relevant initiatives in the public and private sector.