The search is on for a new governmental relations director.

Carol Bradley, the current director, has requested a change in responsibilities. She has been the director of governmental relations and an assistant to the president since 1993.

Bradley will remain as an assistant to the president, but her main focus will be on major projects for the president and other senior administrators.

“I believe it’s time for governmental relations to have an opportunity for a new leader with fresh ideas,” she said.

Bradley began at the university as an assistant to the president and director of state relations in 1988.

Before accepting this position, Bradley was an administrator and legislative liaison for the Iowa Department of Education.

“I enjoyed my job very much,” she said. “I am delighted to still be on the president’s staff. I’ll be happy to give advice and assistance if they ask.”

Warren Madden, vice president for Business and Finance, is heading up a committee that currently is accepting nominations and applications for the position.

Madden said the committee will meet with President Martin Jischke later this week to discuss its objectives.

“I’ve worked with Carol Bradley, and I think I have some understanding of what the position entails,” he said.

Madden said both the director of state relations and the coordinator of federal relations probably will continue to report to the governmental relations director.

Bradley said her duties as the director of governmental relations were to represent university’s interests and minimize inappropriate intrusions by the state or federal government.

Also, as director of governmental relations, she had a major connection with federal delegation, members of the general assembly at the state level and the executive branch at the state and federal levels.

“She’s a very good person; I think most people were sorry to see her step down,” Madden said. “She was a very effective, very productive person — all the people I’ve contacted are sorry to hear she’s stepping down.”

The committee hopes to name the new governmental relations director by July 1.