Kent State University Search for Executive Director, Government and Community Relations
Kent State University seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director for Government and Community Relations, the university's chief government relations official. Reporting to the President, this role leads the university’s advocacy and engagement efforts with federal, state, and local officials—advancing Kent State’s priorities and strengthening its impact across Ohio and beyond.
This position oversees the government and community relations teams in Kent and Columbus, driving strategy, legislative engagement, and partnerships that elevate Kent State’s voice in public policy. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of legislative processes, strong communication skills, and the ability to connect people and ideas in ways that advance higher education.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and eight years of experience in legislative or government relations are required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Search Committee
Charlene Reed, Vice President and University Secretary, Chair
Melody Tankersley, Executive Vice President and Provost
Doug Delahanty, Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Peggy Shadduck, Vice President for Regional Campuses and Dean of the College of Applied and Technical Studies
For questions about the search, please contact Dr. Charlene Reed at creed2@kent.edu or 330-672-2210.
About Kent State
Kent State University is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. The university also holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only seven institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an R1 top-tier research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university has a global footprint with eight campuses throughout Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center, and academic sites around the world, including New York City, Florence, Italy, and Curitiba, Brazil.
Kent State offers award-winning student support services that help students succeed. Its diverse student body comprises more than 34,000 students, including 2,200 international students from 102 countries, and the worldwide alumni family exceeds 280,000. Kent State provides transformational educational experiences and leads with its values, which include kindness, respect and freedom of expression.