Chief External Relations Officer

Department Summary Valdosta State University seeks an accomplished and relationship-driven Chief External Relations Officer (CERO) to lead the University's governmental affairs, legislative advocacy, community relations, and external partnership strategy. Reporting to the President and serving as a senior institutional leader, the CERO will advance VSU's priorities with elected officials, policymakers, civic leaders, regional partners, and other key stakeholders. This is an opportunity for a strategic and diplomatic leader to strengthen VSU's public impact, connect institutional expertise with community needs, and position the University as an essential partner in the economic and social vitality of the region and state. The successful candidate will combine policy insight, political acumen, coalition-building ability, and sound executive judgment. Typical Allocation of Duties: Leadership, direction, and supervision - 25%: Provide executive-level leadership and direction to other leaders within an area of the university. Assign, direct, and supervise the work of personnel. Administration - 20%: Administer a major department, initiative, or unit with full authority of that area. Subject-matter expert - 15%: Serve as subject-matter expert for a specific area for the university. Department representative - 10%: Represent the University to external stakeholders at events and on various committees. Manage budget - 10%: Develop, monitor, and administer a substantial budget of a department, initiative, or unit. Compliance - 10%: Interact with federal, state, and local entities to ensure compliance with appropriate statutes and regulations. Policy and Procedure - 10%: Establish and administer policies and procedures for department, initiative, or unit. Required Qualifications Required Experience Master's degree in a specified field and ten years (10) years of work experience in a related field is required which at least seven (7) years must have been in a supervisory role. Terminal degree and/or professional licensure, certification, and/or designation may be required in some areas. Proposed Salary Commensurate with experience. USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at #J-18808-Ljbffr Valdosta State University