CAREER CENTER

The Director of Federal Relations is a team member representing the University of Minnesota’s federal agenda. The Director represents the University to the U.S. Congress and federal Executive Branch; serves as a liaison between the congress, executive branch, and the University, assisting faculty, administrators, and others in understanding and navigating the legislative process; and advocates on behalf of the University to achieve its legislative goals. The Director reports to the Executive Director of Government and Community Relations of the University. The ideal candidate could be based in Minnesota or Washington, DC, but will require travel to Washington, D.C.

Major Responsibilities:

• Represent the University to federal policymakers and their staff, communicate directly with Members of Congress, attend legislative committee hearings, provide feedback, and secure the input and attendance of appropriate administrators and faculty when necessary and appropriate;
• Develop and maintain working relationships with selected federal agencies, commissions, and others, particularly as they relate to policy and legislative issues;
• Advise the University's Government and Community Relations Executive Director and Senior University leaders, University officials, and stakeholders on federal policy issues that may affect the University;
• Communicate the federal legislative request and related strategies to administrators, faculty, and staff, advisory councils, and appropriate advocacy groups;
• Serve as a primary contact for federal policymakers and their staff and other public officials who wish to access the human resources of the University for policy analysis, development, or interpretation of draft legislation, technical information, and other related needs;
• Serve as liaison to others within the University on budgetary and policy implications of federal legislative issues, particularly as they relate to key issues;
• Assist with the development of the legislative request and documentation, including literature appropriate for supporting legislative requests;
• Organize political support and advocacy for the programs of the University, with primary emphasis on issues related to represented key constituencies;
• Manage administrative process for University leadership, faculty, and staff engagement with U.S. Congress and federal agencies;
• Track issues in specific areas and work within the University community to represent and inform key constituencies;
• Coordinate and assist with special legislative and community relations projects as directed;
• Represent the Office of Government and Community Relations and assigned key constituencies on various University committees and at external meetings and events as requested;
• Represent the University on congressional and legislative trade association groups, including APLU, AAU, and others, as requested;
• Manage outside contracts that relate the University’s federal relations work;
• Coordinate with University alumni groups in the Washington, D.C. area on engagement activities related to Minnesota Members of Congress;
• Assist in the organization of tours and events on system campuses to connect legislators, staff, and key policymakers to the University; and
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.

TERMS: The position is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable appointment in the academic administrative personnel series. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 8 years of experience, including four or more years of lobbying or equivalent experience
• A thorough understanding of the federal legislative process
• Excellent communication skills – interpersonal, written and oral
• Demonstrated track record of building effective working relationships
• Responsible administrative experience, including effective leadership skills and management and organizational abilities
• Experience working in the public sector

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Government relations experience related to U.S. Congress and the federal executive branch
• Familiarity with the higher education environment, including an understanding of higher education policy and governance structures
• Personal or professional connection to the University of Minnesota
• The Director will demonstrate the following competencies and characteristics:
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the organization
• Skilled at effectively and quickly forming a position on an issue while taking into account multiple perspectives and competing interests
• Problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and often rapidly changing environment
• Strong values and integrity, with a commitment to collaboration and teamwork
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the University of Minnesota

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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