JOB SUMMARY: The External Affairs Operations Coordinator will report to the Director of External Affairs and support the Office of External Affairs by assisting with UA System legislative priorities, projects and daily operations. This role offers valuable exposure to government and public affairs issues. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, highly organized, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while serving as a reliable team player.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist UA System External Affairs in execution of department operations, projects, and strategic priorities.
• Support planning, execution, and logistics of special events.
• Monitor news alerts as it relates to areas of specific interest;
• Support the Capitol Scholars Program;
• Cover legislative, congressional and regulatory agency hearings.
• Perform various research projects, including summaries of legislative/public policy.
• Assist in preparing memos, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Assist the Director of External Affairs in being a liaison to key stakeholders and partners, including coordinating with staff for local, state, and federal officials.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree;
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills;
• Proven ability to work independently or collaboratively as a team;
• Intellectual curiousity and attention to detail;
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in local, state and/or federal government affairs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of strategic project management principles, particularly within higher education or government affairs.
• Effective collaboration skills to work alongside senior leadership and external stakeholders on strategic projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, suitable for engaging with both internal teams and external partners.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sedentary Work: involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Hours are typically 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, may be sometimes required to work more than 40 hours to meet project timelines. Ability to work some evenings and weekends, especially related to peak athletic seasons and/or legislative sessions. Travel between UA, UAB, UABHS, UAH and affiliated organizations may be required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• The External Affairs Operations Coordinator will work primarily on-site at the UA System Office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with occasional travel to other campuses or locations as required. Exposure can include office environments and other locations that are not extreme or hazardous.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit an application online that includes a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Additional materials, such as an unofficial law school transcript, may be requested during the selection process. To apply, please visit our Careers webpage.

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama System is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected vets and individuals with disabilities.

Application Deadline: January 28, 2026