Public Affairs Manager

Job Description Summary

The Public Affairs Manager supports the university’s government relations, community engagement and external partnership efforts. This role helps build and maintain relationships with elected officials, community organizations, business groups and civic partners. The manager assists in developing advocacy strategies, coordinating outreach activities, monitoring policy developments, and supporting public-facing communications. The position reports into the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications and maintains a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications / Chief Public Affairs Officer, working closely with the Vice President and other campus partners to advance the university’s priorities and strengthen its local and regional presence.

Essential Duties

Government Relations Support

• Assist in maintaining relationships with local, state and federalelected officials and government agencies.

• Monitor legislative activity, regulatory changes, and policy trends; prepare summaries and briefings for internal stakeholders; attendmeetings and events at city hall and the State House, as necessary.

• Coordinate logistics for legislative meetings, campus visits, advocacy days and policy-related events.

• Draft correspondence, briefing materials and talking points for government engagement.

Community & Civic Engagement

• Build and maintain working relationships with community groups, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders.

• Represent the university at community meetings and events as appropriate.

• Identify and supportcommunity engagement initiatives that align with university priorities and local needs.

• Managecommunity concerns and opportunities and communicate them to thevice presidentand campus leadership.

• Engageuniversity neighbors with regular updates and information about the university to keep them informed.

Business & Organizational Partnerships

• Support outreach tolocalchambers of commerce, industryassociationsand regional employers.

• Represent the university at business community events and regional economic development meetings when appropriate.

Public Affairs Communications

• Draft public affairs content including talking points, stakeholder updates, newsletters, and web content, as needed.

• Createannualeconomic impact report that explains the value of the university to the local community.

• Provide research, coordination and communication support during issues management or crisis situations.

• Help maintain preparedness plans and stakeholder contact lists.

Administrative & Coordination Duties

• Maintain databases of government,communityand business contacts.

• Track outreach activities,meetingsand follow-up actions.

• Support budget tracking, consultantcoordinationand project management for public affairs initiatives.

MinimumQualifications

• Bachelor’sdegreerequired.

• 3-5years ofrelated professional experience.

• Strong relationshipbuilding skills and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders.

• Solid understanding of legislative processes and community dynamics.

• Excellent writing,researchand communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, meetdeadlinesand work collaboratively.

• Experiencerepresentingan organization in public or policy settings is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science,communicationsor public administration.

• 3-5 years of experiencein government relations, communityengagementor public affairs.

Note:

• We do not expect every candidate to be equally skilled in all of these areas, and this is not a complete list of all relevant qualifications that applicants might have. Reaching talent across a range of backgrounds and experiences is important to us. If you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Work Environment:

• Typical office setting with extensive computer work

• Ability to travel to various sites and locations around campus

Pay Transparency

At Bentley we offer a “total rewards ” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Salary Grade Range:

$78,505 - $131,395

If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at [email protected].

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.