EXECUTIVE POSITION PROFILE

Special Assistant to the President For Government Relations

University of Minnesota

On behalf of our client, the University of Minnesota, KeyStone Search has been retained in the recruitment of a Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations.

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OVERVIEW
Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the world. It is both the states land-grant university and its flagship research institution. The Universitys mission is to inspire students, pursue breakthrough discoveries, and share knowledge with the state, country and world. With five campuses, 65,000 students and 18,000 employees, the University of Minnesota has an economic impact of $8.6 billion on the Minnesota economy annually. Of the Universitys $3.7 billion annual operating budget, more that $600 million is from competitive grants and other federal program funds, more that $800 million is from tuition and required fees and more that $550 million is from appropriations from the Minnesota Legislature. Advocacy for the Universitys interests in the state legislative process, support for its efforts in competing for federal grant and other funds, and coordination with national education institutions in encouraging support for higher education and research are therefore important parts of the Universitys efforts. The University of Minnesota named Eric Kaler its 16th president effective July 1, 2011. Dr. Kaler served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and vice president for Brookhaven National Laboratory affairs at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations is appointed by and reports to the President of the University of Minnesota. State, federal and community relations, and legislative advocacy report to the Special Assistant. There are currently eight full time staff reporting to the Special Assistant. The Office of Government Relations at the University of Minnesota interacts with federal, state and local governments, internal and external stakeholders, and campus neighbors to promote the strategic interests of the University and engage them on issues of common interest. This office also advances the interests of the Universitys five campuses Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and the Twin Cities at the capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C and among community partners and neighbors. Under the direction of the president, it also coordinates and supports the efforts of all University colleges and other units in their relationships with state, federal and community officials. In addition, the office helps officials from Minnesota and around the nation use the considerable expertise available at the University of Minnesota and learn more about the resources at the institution. It ensures the University has a voice in policy development related to higher education and research and promotes more targeted opportunities to share knowledge and research expertise with policy makers and governmental units. The Special Assistant is appointed by and reports to the President. This is a 100%-time, 12month, annual renewable (K) appointment in the academic administrative personnel series. Annual renewable (K) appointments are renewed at the discretion of the responsible appointing authority and are governed by the University of Minnesota Academic Professional and Administrative Staff policies and procedures.

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Overall Management Responsibilities: Serve as a strong advocate for the University of Minnesotas strategic goals and initiatives with key policymakers, lawmakers, and community members; Develop government relations strategies and shape institutional responses to state and federal legislation; Reinforce the Universitys unique value to the state by communicating the service it provides as a land grant institution, and its positive economic impact on the state; Monitor the state and national political environment and assess its impact on the University; Develop government relations strategies and shape institutional responses to state and federal legislation; Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with members of the State Legislature, Minnesotas congressional delegation, the governors office, local governments, and other key constituencies, policy groups, and agencies; Coordinate preparation of official University testimony and all communications materials to articulate the Universitys legislative agenda and policy positions; Manage federal, state and community relations staff, inspiring high performance among the team and confidence among peers; Manage the Legislative Network and work collaboratively with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association to develop and execute grassroots advocacy strategies. State Relations Under the direction of the president, and in coordination with senior University officials, represent the Universitys interests at the State Capitol; Strategically hire and manage contract lobbyists on an annual or issue-by-issue basis Advance the University of Minnesotas annual state legislative request. Federal Relations Advance the Universitys federal agenda by engaging with Congress and the executive branch Represent the Universitys interests with federal agencies and strengthen those institutional relationships Manage relationships with national higher education policy groups and associations such as the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the Association of American Universities (AAU) and other specialized academic professional organizations. Community Relations Strengthen the Universitys connections to local governments and Twin Cities campus neighbors; Engage neighbors in the planning process at the University; Represent the Universitys interests to local government officials and departments.

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QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for this key position should be experienced, visionary, and inclusive leaders. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of the University of Minnesota. A Masters or professional degree with substantial (minimum of seven years) experience, or, Bachelors degree and ten years experience in government and/or community relations leadership roles is required. Other essential skills and experience include: Essential Qualifications A thorough understanding of the state and federal legislative process; Track record of proactively advancing legislation; Demonstrated record of building effective relationships with elected officials, policy and decision makers, agency leaders and staff; and internal and external constituencies; Responsible administrative positions demonstrating effective leadership skills and excellent organizational and managerial abilities; Experience with the public sector; Demonstrated record of working across party lines and with both the executive and legislative branch of government; and Demonstrated excellent communications skills interpersonal, written, and oral. Experience managing controversial and high profile issues Preferred Qualifications Terminal or professional degree; Government relations experience related to the state of Minnesota; Familiarity with the University of Minnesota or comparable higher education institution Knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles.

Knowledge. Skills, and Abilities Works effectively with executive leadership internal and external to the University; Ability to quickly understand and communicate complex policy issues to a variety of constituencies; Coordinates multiple tasks, works efficiently, and meets deadlines; and Demonstrates integrity and flexibility. Ability to engage a wide variety of subject matter experts to inform agenda setting

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COMPENSATION
The compensation package is competitive and attractive, including participation in the Universitys comprehensive benefits plan.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Rebecca Driscoll, MBA Principal 612-375-8841 rebeccad@keystonesearch.com Lars Leafblad, MBA Principal 612-375-8989 larsl@keystonesearch.com Marcia Ballinger, PhD Principal 612-375-8895 marciab@keystonesearch.com

Because Culture Matters

KeyStone Search is a prominent Minnesota-based executive search firm with a special emphasis on corporate culture fit. KeyStone has specialized expertise in the recruitment of general management, sales/marketing, financial, technical/operations, human resources and non-profit executives.

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The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.