Title: Director, Federal Government Affairs
Main Work Location: Washington, DC
Schedule: Hybrid (at least 2 days per week on site)
Budgeted Salary Range: The target salary range is $183,000 to $195,000
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
About the Office of Government Affairs:
The Office of Government Affairs (OGA) coordinates and facilitates Stanford University’s interactions with all levels of government, as well as its relationship with neighboring communities. The work of OGA supports the university’s academic mission of teaching and research by serving as the primary point of contact between the university and our partners in federal, state and local governments.
OGA's Washington, DC Office promotes the interests of the University through engagement with federal policymakers and officials, involvement with educational organizations, tracking of pertinent legislation and direct advocacy on a wide variety of issues from funding for the basic sciences to immigration.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Federal Government Affairs, the Director works to advance the university’s federal priorities, including assisting with the day-to-day management and coordination of activities and relationships with federal legislative and agency officials, Stanford faculty and staff, as well as other higher education institutions.
In this role you will focus on:
- In coordination with the AVP, develop and implement federal legislative advocacy strategies that advance the mission of Stanford University.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key legislative and agency staff as well as campus officials and faculty. Communicate effectively with these constituencies, including providing federal audiences with selected, proactive, and timely information about university positions and interests.
- Research, analyze and monitor federal legislative and regulatory activity of interest to Stanford on research policy issues, including identifying, attending and reporting on congressional legislative hearings, briefings and other events. Specific policy areas of focus for the position will depend on the background and interests of the successful candidate.
- Draft position papers, statements, presentations, and memorandums on relevant issues for review and communication to both internal and external audiences.
- Identify, address, and mitigate unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between Stanford and other constituencies, keeping appropriately advised and informed on a timely basis.
- Actively participate in relevant higher education associations, coalitions and advocacy groups on behalf of the university.
- Coordinate events and campus visits of federal and state officials.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
Functional experience in federal government and/or working with Federal agencies or Capitol Hill.
Experience with research universities or higher education and/or research policy is strongly preferred.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies.
We are looking for an immediate contributor who is looking for a long-term professional home with strong growth potential.
This role will have occasional business travel to the Stanford campus in Palo Alto, CA. Occasional event staffing may be required (including evenings and weekends).
The duties listed below are intended to provide a general description of the role and may not reflect all tasks associated with the position.
Core Duties:
- May advocate before public officials to advance and/or defend the university’s mission.
- Help identify, enhance and maintain positive working relationships with legislative and agency officials and bodies and member associations in the higher education sector to assist in developing and implementing strategies to achieve stated legislative and regulatory objectives.
- Research and analyze issues of moderate complexity for the university.
- Draft position papers, statements, testimony, and presentations on these issues for review and communication to both internal and external audiences.
- Execute all aspects of external relations programs, projects, and events, including coordinating special programs and overseeing production of audio/visual or written and visual materials. Projects include government and/or industry lobbying efforts, including working with university officials and third-party interest groups to affect positive change.
- Help identify, address, and mitigate unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between the campus and other constituencies.
- Assist with curation of selected, proactive, and timely information about university positions, accomplishments, and interests for government audiences. Follow-through on appointments and attend briefings and hearings as instructed by senior members and management.
- Monitor and interpret government legislation and/or proposed actions by government and advise senior management of potential campus and constituent impact.
- May respond to constituent inquiries.
- May direct and/or supervise staff.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in a government relations environment, focusing on federal and/or state level.
- Demonstrated advanced judgment and knowledge of the political process at the federal and/or state level.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with policymakers.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to diplomatically solve problems and build key relationships.
- Skilled lobbyist or prior experience as an aide/advisor to an elected or appointed government official with working knowledge of the political system and political process at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Ability to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
- Proficient skills to read, interpret, understand, and respond to pending and proposed legislation, including skills to write effective position statements and draft proposed legislation.
- Proficient computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software, email applications, and presentation programs such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver and/or Keynote.