Executive Director of Federal Relations

Strategic Advocacy and Policy Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal relations strategy to advance the University’s priorities, including research funding, student financial aid, innovation, and regulatory matters.
• Monitor, analyze, and provide strategic insights on federal legislation, executive actions, and budget proposals that impact higher education institutions.
• Advocate for institutional priorities through direct engagement with the legislative and executive branches, including appropriations, authorizations, and regulatory affairs.
• Draft policy briefs, testimonies, and advocacy materials to support the University’s positions.

Federal Engagement and External Relations

• Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and higher education coalitions.
• Represent the University in key national associations and advisory groups (e.g., AAU, APLU, National Academies) and engage in working groups focused on federal policy.
• Coordinate meetings, briefings, and events involving federal officials, University leadership, faculty, and alumni.
• Facilitate faculty testimony and participation in congressional roundtables, hearings, and agency consultations.

Internal Coordination and Institutional Alignment

• Advise senior leadership, administrators, and faculty on federal trends, opportunities, and challenges relevant to institutional objectives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units across the University to align advocacy efforts with strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement federal engagement strategies for University stakeholders, including faculty visits to Washington and advocacy training.
• Ensure compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and related reporting requirements.

Team Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Lead and manage the Office of Federal Relations, including budgeting and staffing.
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and impact.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, higher education policy, or legislative affairs.
• Deep knowledge of federal research appropriations, student aid programs, and regulatory frameworks affecting higher education.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing impactful advocacy strategies at the federal level.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policies into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across organizational and political boundaries.
• A strong sense of integrity, commitment to equal opportunity, and ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

Starting salary range: $186,000–220,000

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. This includes low-cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.) 

Work location: Washington, D.C.

Please submit both a cover letter and a resume by May 16, 2025. 

Apply here

The position will remain open until filled. For questions or nominations, please contact Andrea Yanego ([email protected]).