Des Moines University
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Job no:
492948 Work type:
FT Location:
West Des Moines Categories:
Staff At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), we are committed to transforming health and reimagining the future of medical and health sciences education. We’re seeking a
dynamic and strategic leader
to join the Office of the President as
Director of External Affairs
— a key connector and advocate for DMU’s mission and values. In this pivotal role, you’ll strengthen relationships with government, community, and industry partners; champion policy and advocacy efforts; and elevate the university’s visibility through meaningful collaboration and engagement. As DMU’s representative in the community, you’ll help advance initiatives that improve lives locally and globally, contributing directly to the impact DMU makes every day. What you’ll do
Build and sustain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, businesses, and civic organizations to advance DMU’s mission and visibility. Represent DMU in community and professional settings while leading initiatives that foster engagement and social impact. Manage community partnerships, sponsorship requests, and related budgets to ensure effective university participation and investment. Serve as DMU’s liaison to local, state, and federal officials, coordinating advocacy strategies and monitoring legislation impacting higher education and healthcare. Provide policy analysis, strategic guidance, and communication materials to support the university’s government relations and advocacy priorities. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications and campus leaders to enhance DMU’s public image and strengthen alumni and community engagement. Support special projects for the President and the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective coordination, reporting, and follow‑up on key initiatives. What we are looking for
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public administration, political science, communications, or related field is preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, government affairs, public policy, and/or related fields; 5‑7 years of relevant experience is preferred. Demonstrated success building partnerships with government officials, community organizations, and business leaders. Strong knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and issues impacting higher education and healthcare. Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship‑building skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long‑term vision with day‑to‑day execution. Ability to represent the University with professionalism, diplomacy, and credibility in diverse settings. Total Rewards
Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well‑balanced lifestyle. About
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges—College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and College of Health Sciences—offering ten graduate degree programs. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals. It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88‑acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state‑of‑the‑art campus includes technology‑rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community. At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle. Required Documents
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at
www.dmu.edu/employment . Department: Office of the President
Status: Exempt
Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”). The EEO is the Law poster is available here. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Jeanne Clery Act — In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Des Moines University is required to disclose crime statistics for the past three years to prospective employees. For a copy of the report, click here, or contact the building services manager at 515‑271‑1471.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job no:
492948 Work type:
FT Location:
West Des Moines Categories:
Staff At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), we are committed to transforming health and reimagining the future of medical and health sciences education. We’re seeking a
dynamic and strategic leader
to join the Office of the President as
Director of External Affairs
— a key connector and advocate for DMU’s mission and values. In this pivotal role, you’ll strengthen relationships with government, community, and industry partners; champion policy and advocacy efforts; and elevate the university’s visibility through meaningful collaboration and engagement. As DMU’s representative in the community, you’ll help advance initiatives that improve lives locally and globally, contributing directly to the impact DMU makes every day. What you’ll do
Build and sustain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, businesses, and civic organizations to advance DMU’s mission and visibility. Represent DMU in community and professional settings while leading initiatives that foster engagement and social impact. Manage community partnerships, sponsorship requests, and related budgets to ensure effective university participation and investment. Serve as DMU’s liaison to local, state, and federal officials, coordinating advocacy strategies and monitoring legislation impacting higher education and healthcare. Provide policy analysis, strategic guidance, and communication materials to support the university’s government relations and advocacy priorities. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications and campus leaders to enhance DMU’s public image and strengthen alumni and community engagement. Support special projects for the President and the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective coordination, reporting, and follow‑up on key initiatives. What we are looking for
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public administration, political science, communications, or related field is preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, government affairs, public policy, and/or related fields; 5‑7 years of relevant experience is preferred. Demonstrated success building partnerships with government officials, community organizations, and business leaders. Strong knowledge of state and federal legislative processes and issues impacting higher education and healthcare. Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship‑building skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long‑term vision with day‑to‑day execution. Ability to represent the University with professionalism, diplomacy, and credibility in diverse settings. Total Rewards
Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well‑balanced lifestyle. About
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges—College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and College of Health Sciences—offering ten graduate degree programs. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals. It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88‑acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state‑of‑the‑art campus includes technology‑rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community. At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle. Required Documents
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at
www.dmu.edu/employment . Department: Office of the President
Status: Exempt
Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”). The EEO is the Law poster is available here. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Jeanne Clery Act — In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Des Moines University is required to disclose crime statistics for the past three years to prospective employees. For a copy of the report, click here, or contact the building services manager at 515‑271‑1471.
#J-18808-Ljbffr