Special Assistant to the President for

Government & Community Relations

www.umn.edu






Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present this position on behalf of our client, the University of Minnesota
http://www.ballingerleafblad.com


Lars Leafblad, MBA or Marcia Ballinger, PhD
Co-Founder
612-598-7547
lars@ballingerleafblad.com

Co-Founder
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com
ballinger|leafblad Page 2



PRESENTING OUR CLIENTTHE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the
world. It is a dynamic, complex organization that is both the states land-grant university and its flagship
research institution. Its campuses serve broad and diverse constituencies. The Universitys mission is to
inspire students, pursue breakthrough discoveries, and share knowledge with the state, country, and world.
With approximately 69,000 students and 18,000 employees, the University
of Minnesota system includes five campuses, located in Crookston, Duluth,
Morris, Rochester, and the Twin Cities, as well as field stations and research
and outreach centers. The institutions highest ranked programs include
aerospace engineering and mechanics, chemical engineering, chemistry,
child psychology, civil engineering, ecology, evolution and behavior,
entomology, food science, Germanic studies, kinesiology, materials science
and engineering, mechanical engineering, natural resource science and
management, and psychology.
Of the Universitys $3.7 billion annual operating budget, more that $600 million is from competitive grants
and other federal program funds, more than $800 million is from tuition and required fees, and more that
$550 million is from appropriations from the Minnesota Legislature. The University ranked ninth among
public research universities and 14th among all U.S. universities in the 2012 National Science Foundation
Survey of Research and Development Expenditures. The systems annual economic impact on the state of
Minnesota is $8.6 billion. Advocacy for the Universitys interests in the state legislative process, support for
its efforts in competing for federal grant and other funds, and coordination with national education
institutions in encouraging support for higher education and research are therefore important parts of the
Universitys efforts. On the Twin Cities campus, the Biomedical Discovery District is nearing completion.
Built with significant state investment, these facilities are among the finest research and discovery labs
anywhere and support researchers tackling the worlds urgent medical challenges.
The worlds biggest problems dont have just one solution. Thats why the Us
best minds put their heads together - with 50 joint graduate degree programs
and 200 collaborative institutes and centers. Contributing to the Us
academic prestige are 20 Nobel Laureates, 86 Guggenheim Fellows, and 2
MacArthur Geniuses on campus right now. The U counts 101 National Merit
Scholars in its current freshman class - the second most in the Big Ten.
Graduates stay where the business and entrepreneurial community thrives.
With 20 Fortune 500 companies in the Twin Cities alone, U alumni have founded more than 10,000
businesses in Minnesota. Creative thinkers from the U were behind the first wearable cardiac pacemaker,
GORE-TEX, the retractable seat belt, and Post-it Notes. The U ranks sixth in the world for technology and
transfer commercialization according to the Milken Institute of Technology. Notable alums include
agronomist Norman Borlaug (who saved billions from starvation), former vice president Walter Mondale,
satirist Garrison Keillor, Super Bowl championship coach Tony Dungy, and inventor and Medtronic, Inc.,
founder Earl Bakken.
The University of Minnesota named Eric W. Kaler its 16th president in 2011, and just recently extended his
contract to 2020. One of President Kalers top priorities is MnDRIVE - Minnesotas Discovery, Research and
InnoVation Economy. By aligning areas of university strength with opportunity and need, MnDRIVE fosters
innovation, cultivates strategic business collaborations that advance Minnesotas economy, and enhances
the universitys ability to produce breakthrough research that addresses our state's and societys greatest
challenges. This initiative is critically important to keep Minnesota and our research enterprise competitive
in order to reach this shared vision of future accomplishments.
ballinger|leafblad Page 3



PRESENTING THE POSITION OF SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT &
COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Special Assistant to the President for Government & Community Relations at the University of Minnesota
provides leadership to the Office of Government & Community Relations and the Universitys interactions with
federal, state and local governments, internal and external stakeholders, and campus neighbors to promote
the strategic interests of the University and engage them on issues of common interest.
The Office of Government & Community Relations advances the interests of the Universitys five campuses
Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and the Twin Cities at the capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C and
among community partners and neighbors. Under the direction of the president, it also coordinates and
supports the efforts of all University colleges and other units in their relationships with state, federal and
community officials. In addition, the office helps officials from Minnesota and around the nation use the
considerable expertise available at the University of Minnesota and learn more about the resources at the
institution. It ensures the University has a voice in policy development related to higher education and
research and promotes more targeted opportunities to share knowledge and research expertise with policy
makers and governmental units.
The Special Assistant to the President for Government & Community Relations is appointed by and reports to
the President of the University of Minnesota and is a member of the Presidents senior leadership team.
Overall Management Responsibilities
Serve as a strong advocate for the University of Minnesotas strategic goals and initiatives with key
policymakers, lawmakers, and community members;
Develop proactive government relations strategies to advance the Universitys legislative agenda and
shape institutional responses to state and federal legislation;
Reinforce the Universitys unique value to the state by communicating the service it provides as a public
land grant institution, and its positive economic impact on the state;
Monitor the state and national political environment and assess its impact on the University;
Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with members of the State Legislature,
Minnesotas congressional delegation, the governors office, local governments, and other key constituencies,
policy groups, and agencies;
Coordinate preparation of official University testimony and all communications materials to articulate
the Universitys legislative agenda and policy positions;
Manage federal, state and community relations staff, inspiring high performance among the team and
confidence among peers;
Represent the University and manage its relationships with select business and industry groups,
including chambers of commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership;
Manage the Universitys grassroots advocacy network and work collaboratively with the University of
Minnesota Alumni Association to develop and execute grassroots advocacy strategies.
ballinger|leafblad Page 4



State Relations
Under the direction of the president, and in coordination with senior University officials, represent the
Universitys interests at the State Capitol;
Strategically hire and manage contract lobbyists on an annual or issue-by-issue basis;
Advance the University of Minnesotas annual state legislative agenda.
Federal Relations
Advance the Universitys federal agenda by engaging with Congress and the executive branch;
Represent the Universitys interests with federal agencies and strengthen those institutional
relationships;
Manage relationships with national higher education policy groups and associations such as the
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the Association of American Universities (AAU) and
other specialized academic professional organizations.
Community Relations
Strengthen the Universitys connections to local governments and Twin Cities campus neighbors;
Engage neighbors in the planning process at the University;
Represent the Universitys interests to local government officials and departments.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for this key position should be experienced, visionary, and inclusive leaders. The successful candidate
will have a strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of the University of Minnesota.
A masters or professional degree with substantial (minimum of five years) experience, or, bachelors degree
and seven years of experience in government and/or community relations leadership roles is required.
Other essential skills and experience include:
ballinger|leafblad Page 5



Essential Qualifications:

A thorough understanding of the state and federal legislative process;
Track record of success in proactively advancing legislation;
Demonstrated record of building effective relationships with elected officials, policy and decision
makers, agency leaders, staff, and internal and external constituencies, regardless of political party
affiliation;
Successfully held responsible administrative positions demonstrating effective leadership skills and
excellent organizational and managerial abilities;
Demonstrated record of working across party lines and with both the executive and legislative branch of
government; and
Demonstrated excellent communications skills interpersonal, written, and oral;
Experience managing controversial and high profile issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

Terminal or professional degree;
Government relations experience related to the state of Minnesota;
Familiarity with the University of Minnesota or comparable higher education institution;
Knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Works effectively with executive leaders internal and external to the University;
Ability to quickly understand and communicate complex policy issues to a variety of constituencies;
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, work efficiently, and meet deadlines;
Demonstrates integrity and flexibility;
Ability to engage a wide variety of subject matter experts to inform agenda setting and policy positions.

The Special Assistant will demonstrate the following competencies and characteristics:
Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships
with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the organization.
Demonstrated ability to work positively and effectively with local, state, and federal government, in
addition to advisory boards, committees, and other policy formulating or recommending groups.
Strategic management skills with demonstrated experience formulating and implementing
institutional strategies relating to government and external relations.
Ability to communicate effectively and articulately in both oral and written communication and have
command of enough logic to be able to effectively form a position on an issue, while taking into
account multiple perspectives and competing interests.
Ability to coach and develop the professional skills of staff.
Ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders such as faculty and academic administrators.
Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize in a rapidly
changing environment.
Demonstrated leadership in implementing technology and processes to support organizational
strategies within a large and complex organization.
ballinger|leafblad Page 6




THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE
The compensation package is competitive and attractive, including participation in the University of
Minnesotas comprehensive benefits plan. The University benefits website provides detailed information on
the following benefits: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html

Benefits Summary
University Paid
- Basic Life Insurance (115% of base salary to a maximum of $200,000)
- Medical Leave (up to 3 months at 100% of salary)
- Vacation (22 days annually for 12 month appointments)
- Academic Disability (generally, 66 2/3% of pay to a maximum of $14,444/month)
- Unemployment Insurance
Shared Cost
- Faculty Retirement Plan (5.5% Employee share/10% University share for new employees)
- Medical Coverage (Choice of 5 plans University subsidizes 87% of Employee-only cost and 80.5%
of Dependent cost of the Base Plan)
- Pharmacy Benefits included in medical plan cost
- Wellness Plan included in medical plan cost
- Dental Coverage (Choice of 5 plans University subsidizes 88% of Employee-only cost and 52% of
Dependent cost of the Base Plan)
- Regents Scholarship tuition benefits (Advanced degrees 25% Employee/75% University)
- Social Security (6.2% Employee/6.2% University on a maximum of $117,000 in 2014)
- Medicare (1.45% Employee/1.45% University, no compensation maximum)
Employee-Paid
- Optional Retirement Plan (pre-tax 403(b) plan)
- Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (pre-tax plan)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (pre-tax, both healthcare and dependent care)
- Optional Life Insurance (after-tax for self, spouse, and/or child/children)
- Short-term Disability Coverage (after-tax, maximum of 66 2/3% of monthly salary or $5,000)
- Long-term Care Coverage (after-tax for self, spouse)
ballinger|leafblad Page 7



PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes and a perfect blend between small town and a major thriving
cosmopolitan hub. The outdoors is a major attraction, the twin-cities offers more than 250 parks, and miles
of biking and walking trails.

The Twin Cities have hosted the World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball
Finals, the USGA U. S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Special
Olympics. In 2014, Target Field was the setting for baseball's All-Star Game,
and in 2018 the Super Bowl will be played in a newly built stadium.

The Twin Cities are home to many professional sports teams: the Twins,
Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx (current WNBA champions),
Minnesota United FC (soccer), and Minnesota Swarm (lacrosse).


Of course, the University of Minnesota itself provides plenty
of athletic entertainment as well. TCF Bank stadium brought
football back outdoors and back to the campus, and the
team has qualified for bowl games the past several years.
The women's basketball team was selected to play in the
NCAA tournament, and the men's basketball team won the
NIT tournament in coach Richard Pitino's first year. The
womens hockey team narrowly missed a WCHA three-
peat in 2014 and the mens hockey team was the #1 overall
seed for the NCAA tournament. The volleyball team and
wrestling squad are consistently ranked among the top ten
in their respective sports.

The Twin Cities have more to offer than participatory and spectator sporting
events. There are countless arts and culture offerings here. The Grammy Award-
winning Minnesota Orchestra has a reputation as one of the top orchestras in
the world. Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie Theatre has staged A-plus shows
from the classical to the contemporary. There are over 30 theatre venues, 10
dance companies, and 30 classical music groups in the cities of Minneapolis and
Saint Paul alone. Our community has the most theater seats per-capita outside
of New York.


For the museumgoer, there are over 60 museums in the Twin Cities. The
Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children's Museum (both
in Saint Paul) are highly interactive learning and fun experiences for the
entire family. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a collection of over
100,000 pieces. The Walker Art Center has been called "possibly the best
contemporary art museum in the U. S." by Newsweek, and has over 11,000
pieces. Not to be outdone, the University of Minnesota's Weisman Art
Museum is also a contemporary art destination, and the Frank Gehry-
designed building is a work of art itself.
ballinger|leafblad Page 8



Beyond the outdoor, sports, entertainment, and culture, perhaps
the biggest attraction for the Twin Cities is the lifestyle. Forbes
hailed Minneapolis and Saint Paul as the nation's healthiest cities.
USA Today named Saint Paul as North America's "Most Romantic
City." The Twin Cities offer award-winning restaurants (several
chefs have been regional James Beard Award winners). In addition
to the popular Mall of America, there are plenty of unique shopping
districts in both cities (including the Dinkytown neighborhood next
to the University's Minneapolis campus), and in the suburbs.

According to 24/7 Wall Street News, Minnesotas school districts rank 6th
in the nation. The Business Journal ranks seven Twin Cities high schools
amongst the best 500 in the nation (Edina, Mahtomedi, St. Louis Park,
Eastview, Central in Saint Paul, and Minnetonka).














BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD INVITES YOU TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Lars Leafblad, MBA or Marcia Ballinger, PhD
Co-Founder Co-Founder
612-598-7547
lars@ballingerleafblad.com
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com








Civic Search. Reimagined.

www.ballingerleafblad.com