Executive Director, Federal Relations (Washington, DC)

This position will provide leadership, strategic direction, and representation for the Federal Relations unit of the UA Government and Community Relations Department (GCR). Under the direction of the Chief Government Relations Officer, this position will work with campus leadership to develop and execute the UA federal agenda, which includes UA's congressional and federal agency priorities. This position is located in Washington DC and requires travel to Tucson, Arizona.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts

• Oversee all lobbying and advocacy efforts to promote UA priorities before federal agencies and Capitol Hill.
• Establish and execute strategy to implement federal initiatives/partnerships important to the Office of the President, including working closely with the Office of Research and Partnerships on major research initiatives aligned with the university's strategic imperatives.

UArizona Federal Relations Agenda, Issues and Outreach

• Work with the Chief Government Relations Officer to establish and implement a subset of goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Uphold and reflect the established Mission, Goals and Values of UA in all actions and interactions related to UA operations and activities.
• Work with VP of Government and Community Relations to establish and implement a subset of goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive UA federal agenda, working in collaboration with the Office of the President, Office of Research and Partnerships and the Office of the Provost.
• Oversee all UA federal outreach efforts to create and maintain strong UA presence on Capitol Hill, including all official student and faculty engagement, to ensure coordinated messaging.
• Actively participate as the UA representative for relevant national associations.
• Work closely with and coordinate the U of A's Federal Relation Consulting Firms in formulating and executing the strategy for the university's federal priorities.

Organizational Operations, Management and Supervision

• Make organizational and operational recommendations to the Chief Government Relations Officer and the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships and provide regular, comprehensive progress updates on UA Federal Relations issues, opportunities, challenges and successes.
• Provide effective and well-coordinated management that align with UA policies and procedures of the Federal Relations, Washington, D.C. office.
• This position will provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and supervision to the Senior Director, Federal Relations, Special Assistant, Federal Relations and federal consultants. Provide clear expectations, solutions and required resources.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of the political dynamics within Congress.
• Understanding of the function and structure of federal agencies.
• Ability to effectively navigate the federal legislative process.
• Ability to effectively navigate federal grant making agencies and requests for proposals that align with university priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence elected officials, policymakers, agency heads, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and leverage University of Arizona assets in order to secure grants, federal funds, and relevant legislative authorization and bill language.
• Ability to effectively lead organizational change.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple individuals while promoting a positive professional culture.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to travel to Tucson, Arizona as well as other occasional travel.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function is typically required.

• Two or more years of relevant experience in a higher education institution
• Master's degree

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

The grade range for this position is $117,883 - $188,613. Each unit typically sets starting pay between the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Pay field above.