Office of External Affairs

Overview 

The Office of External Affairs at John Jay College sets strategic direction on a wide range of policy and political issues and oversees the College's government affairs and community relations activities to support the institution's mission, academic excellence and student success. The Office serves as the primary liaison to public officials at the city, state, and federal levels.

The Office of External Affairs builds and fosters relationships with diverse constituencies including, government, community and civic organizations and policy and advocacy groups to cultivate resources, grow student learning, civic and career opportunities, support scholarship and inform policy and practice nationally and locally.

Leadership 

Led by Mindy Bockstein, Executive Director of External Affairs, the Office represents and advocates for the College at legislative sessions, and before federal, state and city public policymakers, national and local agencies, and the United States Congress. Working with the City University of New York (CUNY), the Office of External Affairs supports system-wide priorities. Additionally, the Office represents the College at community meetings and events, hearings, and public announcements.

Role

External Affairs leads strategic efforts to secure government funding and resources and assists in facilitating and promoting student applied-learning opportunities and faculty scholarship support in the public sector. The Office staff offers technical assistance to faculty, students, and other college community members on a host of issues, including outreach to external and government stakeholders for strategic engagement, participation at programs, civic involvement and resource development.

The Office of External Affairs serves as the point-of-contact for government and community thought leaders and organizations in gaining access to the College's resources and assets, including expert faculty, student talent, and research to inform policy and practice. The Office conducts external outreach to highlight College scholarship, events and campus activities. Additionally, it plans and orchestrates college and public programming involving internal and external stakeholders to encourage discussion on current and emerging issues, advance civic engagement and voting, promote creative activities and foster lifelong learning. External Affairs curates campus visits from high-level government leaders to showcase the vibrant and diverse College community and to highlight John Jay College as a national convener and cutting-edge center for research and innovation in criminal and social justice issues.