Posted: 26-Apr-25
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: R127679
The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is the cornerstone college of The Ohio State University, with three mission areas (teaching, research and Extension) dedicated to one essential purpose: We Sustain Life. CFAES is one college spread across three campuses, with our faculty and staff split evenly among them. Comprised of ten academic units including the School of Environment and Natural Resources and Ohio State ATI, plus Ohio State University Extension, CFAES has 22 bachelors degree majors, 26 associate degree majors, and 34 minors.
Under the direction of the Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean of CFAES, this position provides critical support to CFAES leadership by educating leaders on legislative and policy issues that impact the college.
In cooperation with the overall direction of the Ohio State Office of Government Affairs, this role focuses on connecting leaders to develop and strengthen relationships with public officials, agencies, university advocates, and stakeholders (at all levels - local, state, and federal) to advance the missions of CFAES. The position serves as a member of the Ohio State Government Affairs team, monitors legislation and governmental issues, and supports CFAES leadership in efforts related to capacity funding for OSU Extension and research funding through the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC).
Key responsibilities include:
- Education and Support: Educate and support CFAES leadership on government-related and emerging issues, coordinate training on legislative issues and advocacy efforts. Support OSU Extension leadership in their efforts to obtain local funds.
- Legislative Strategy and Advocacy: Monitor and summarize pending legislative actions for CFAES Leadership awareness. Work with leadership to develop strategies and refine messages and appropriations requests. Arrange meetings for CFAES leaders to obtain support from state and federal elected officials and staff for annual/biennial appropriations, special projects, and other CFAES efforts. Assist with connecting research and OSU Extension professionals to public officials needing information or data.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the liaison for CFAES to build and nurture relationships between CFAES Leadership and public officials across all levels of government, including the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) on behalf liaison of the VP and Dean. Develop and activate volunteer advocates to support the colleges initiatives at both the federal and state levels for OSU Extension and research support.
- Event Coordination: Plans and executes annual events and activities related to advocacy, including coordinating legislative visits for volunteers and employees.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Familiarity with food, agriculture, natural resources and related field(s), stakeholders, and associated industries.
Excellent organization, written, and verbal communications skills required. Must exhibit professionalism and be team oriented while thriving autonomously, and exhibit ability to adapt to changing priorities.
This role requires occasional evening and weekend work and some local and national travel. The position is based in CFAES and has a dotted-line responsibility to the Vice President of Government Relations.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with policy, governance, or public relations. Ability to formalize, analyze, and summarize pending legislative actions; knowledge of public relations law and/or political science; and basic knowledge of organization and operation of federal, state and local government as well as knowledge or experience working in/with higher education.