The successful Manager of Government Relations will have a record of achieving aggressive goals, while operating in a cross-functional capacity. The Manager of Government Relations adeptly navigates external environments that may impact the University and its operations. S/he effectively engages University partners, and is probing, open-minded, and solution-oriented. S/he will also be comfortable with ambiguity, willing to experiment and make decisions with less than perfect information. Must be able to clearly articulate WGU’s purpose, mission, vision and goals, and able to motivate others to achieve those goals. These qualities are driven by the following competencies:
- Student focus – always keeps the student at the center of what we do, and why we do it. Makes decisions and guides efforts to improve and expand value and opportunity for students and employers. Demonstrated and documented record of accomplishment in developing intergovernmental relationships, and pursuing opportunities to enhance the University’s offerings and positioning in higher education.
- Integrity – we do what is right even when no one is watching. This is a foundational principle as to how we interact with all people, and is vitally important in a role that represents the University before external audiences, many whom have the ability to impact the environment in which the University operates.
- Execution- and Results-oriented – focused on results, not just activity. Exceptional skill and demonstrated success in establishing and improving governmental relationships and opportunity, in a higher education leadership role.
- Initiative – self-directs with a strong bias for action, leads the way in improvement of performance and opportunities for our students and the University.
- Managerial courage – willing to tackle difficult topics and conventional thinking; doesn’t hold anything back that needs to be said.
- Strategic thinking – applies broad strategic direction, with university-wide impact, and in a distributed organization context.
- Being Resilient – operates confidently under pressure, maintains a positive attitude despite adversity, and bounces back from obstacles and setbacks, while growing from hardship and negative experiences.
- Develops and earns trust – works effectively across functions, internalizing their motivations and priorities, and energizing others’ engagement in devising solutions and driving execution; a personal style that favors inquiry over advocacy, listening over speaking.
- Innovation – collaborates to form bold visions, navigates the political environment, and delivers results.
- Clear, effective communicator – exceptional and persuasive communication skills, oral and written, in addressing external and internal audiences; while successfully balancing the appropriate levels of decorum and respect for office holders while asserting the positions of the University, necessary to advance student opportunity.
- Great judgment – Deals effectively with paradox; exhibits good instincts, while willing to make tough calls, with some degree of adaptability.
SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel
- Schedule flexibility to include evenings and weekends