Director, Institute for Appalachian Public Policy

The Director, Institute for Appalachian Public Policy’s mission and purpose is to develop, implement, and oversee a public policy research apparatus aimed at prioritizing research, data, and recommendations to advance Appalachian Ohio’s socio-economic development and public health; develop and implement a public policy internship program for SSU students; and develop and coordinate IAPP Conferences/Symposiums.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS:

1. Direct the Appalachian Ohio public policy research apparatus
2. Coordinate IAPP Conferences/Symposiums
3. Lead the Bears on the Square government and public policy internship program for SSU students

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Direct the Appalachian Ohio public policy research apparatus
   1. Conduct contract, and produce actionable research, utilizing visiting faculty, SSU students, and institute fellows
   2. Interface with policy makers, corporate and NGO leadership at the federal, state, and local level to develop and maintain a dynamic policy agenda involving education, economic workforce development, health care, and addiction/recovery, with future topics to be developed
   3. Deliver research to support SSU and the SSU grants operation, community and regional partners, and contribute to regional and national conversation on Appalachian Ohio topics
2. IAPP Conferences/Symposiums
   1. Plan and execute all aspects of IAPP conferences/symposiums 
   2. Follow up and analyze conferences/symposiums for continuous improvement
3. Lead the Bears on the Square government and public policy internship program for SSU students
   1. Competitive application in spring to name 2-4 SSU Appalachian Public Policy Scholars
   2. Fall orientation and training program
   3. Spring advocacy visits with SSU leadership to regional, state, and federal government officials

Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to conduct actionable, peer-reviewed research and analyze and evaluate data 
2. Initiative and creativity in project development 
3. Strong project management skills
4. Ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with university partners, scholars, thought leaders, and policy-makers at all levels

Minimum Qualifications

1. MBA or Masters in Social Sciences required
2. 5+ years’ experience in government relations, state and Appalachian policy in the areas of higher education, college access, rural health care, and rural economic and workforce development issues
3. Experience and research emphasis in Ohio and Appalachian Ohio is preferred