Director/Associate Director, Federal Relations - Minneapolis, United States - University of Minnesota

Description

About the Job

The Director/Associate Director of Federal Relations is a team member representing the University of Minnesota's federal agenda. The Director/Associate 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.

Qualifications

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 the Department

The Office of Government Relations (GovRel) advances the interests of the University's five campuses at the capital in Saint Paul, Washington, D.C., and among community partners and neighbors. Under the direction of the President, it also coordinates and supports the efforts of all University colleges and other units in their relationships with state, federal, tribal, and community officials. In addition, the office helps officials from Minnesota and around the nation use the considerable expertise available at the University of Minnesota and learn more about the resources at the institution. It ensures the University has a voice in policy development related to higher education and research and promotes more targeted opportunities to share knowledge and research expertise with policymakers and governmental units.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call UOHR

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019,