About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Rate of Pay:

This position is a grade 18 with a minimum of $97,869 and a mid-point of $130,492. Salary offer will be commensurate with the education/experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy, and the current CBA, if applicable.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

The community engagement and legislative affairs position exists to support the ECC strategic plan and the ECC board of trustees’ goals.

The primary functions in community engagement are to connect the college president, Board of Trustees, and ECC with District 509 stakeholders; communicate ECC’s mission, values, and benefits to stakeholders; and collaborate with organizations aligned with ECC’s mission and values. Additionally, it involves coordinating events, campaigns, and outreach efforts to advocate for key issues, and building mutually beneficial relationships with key external constituencies, including community members, nonprofits, opinion leaders, businesses, and public officials.

The primary functions of legislative affairs are to build relationships with elected officials in ECC’s district at all levels (local, state, federal); educate elected officials on issues that impact higher education, community colleges and student success and advocate at all levels, as needed; develop strategies that advance the College's mission and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials; keep track of relevant bills and legislative initiatives that could impact the college, including changes in funding, regulations, and educational policy; and analyze and report on the impact of legislation on the college and make recommendations for action by the Board of Trustees.

General direction is received from the President.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Master’s degree in political science, communications, or a related field required.
• Seven years of management-level experience in leading and executing integrated community engagement and legislative affairs strategies with proven results.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and educational organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to forge strategic internal and external partnerships.
• Experience in advocacy, lobbying, or grassroots organizing.
• Superior written and oral communication skills; effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in developing and executing advocacy strategies.
• Ability to always remain neutral/non-partisan when representing the college.
• Demonstrated success as a culturally competent professional with experience interacting with and supporting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to represent the college to all audiences on behalf of the college president and/or board of trustees.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education, its key audiences, and key community issues.
• Previous work in government agencies, legislative offices, or advocacy organizations.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative activities at municipal, county, state, and federal levels; ability to track, disseminate, and advocate key legislative issues on behalf of the college.
• Experience in coordinating events, campaigns, or initiatives.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of District 509 service area and key stakeholders is a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Other Duties:

Other duties as assigned that pertain to the job description

Physical Demands:

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Quiet conditions

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: