The search for a newly created position, director of government relations, has begun.
The purpose of the role is to strengthen Ohio University's government relations in Columbus and Washington, D.C., said OU President Roderick McDavis. Responsibilities of the hire will include serving as a liaison between OU and the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor's Office, U.S. Congress, and local, state and federal agencies. The director will also be expected to initiate, analyze and communicate OU's position on legislative proposals.
We are looking for a person who has excellent connections to state and federal legislatures
public relations skills and a clear understanding of how universities work especially with regional campuses and student needs said Jack Bantle, vice president for research and chairman of a search committee formed to hire the director.
The search committee met for the first time Thursday to launch the search for the new full-time position, Bantle said.
We have a good pool of applicants so far: Over 66 prospects
he said.
The 16-member search committee comprised of faculty, staff, administrators and a student representative has not screened all the applications yet, but Bantle said the committee will meet at least once more to narrow the selection to three or four candidates. It will present the finalists to McDavis, who will select the hire. Bantle said he expects the search and selection to be complete in April.
Prior to the creation of the position, Alan Geiger, assistant to the president and secretary of the Board of Trustees, did all of OU's lobbying with the state government. Pam Siemer, faculty and staff, performed the federal tasks. The new position will combine state and federal responsibilities.
Dr. McDavis knows the importance of government relations
and OU needs a new face and a new message
Geiger said. We need to promote this university.
For example, with a director of government relations, OU might be able to draw more medical attention and more state funding, he said.
We want to put our case in front of the legislature and show the importance of higher education
as a whole and just OU
Bantle said.
Geiger said it was not too difficult having these previous responsibilities, but that most universities have a separate position. And in order to achieve fair representation of OU in government offices, OU needs a full-time administrator. Although he will hand over his responsibilities, Geiger will remain assistant to the president and secretary to the Board of Trustees.
The position's salary will range from $75,000 to $100,000, depending on the hire's experience.
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