Director of Federal Relations

The Division of ASPIRE (Advancing Strategy, Partnerships, Institutional Relations, and Economy) seeks a seasoned problem-solving policy advisor to lead its federal government efforts and to supervise the university’s government relations advocacy team. The successful candidate will position the university to maximize opportunities on the federal, state, and local levels. The Director of Federal Relations will engage with university advocates, students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and stakeholder, as well as public officials and decision makers at all levels of government, in the execution of the university’s government relations priorities.

Some travel required.

Essential Duties:

• Develop, lead, and execute the university federal appropriations and regulatory priorities
• Identify university advocates with expertise that aligns with federal funding and legislative priorities
• Foster a culture where university advocates regularly testify before federal and state legislative committees, partner in the preparation of testimony, and coach them in the delivery
• Work collaboratively with the Office of Research and Innovation to cultivate connections between faculty, students, staff, and potential sponsors of research
• Develop advocacy work products which includes the drafting of bills, position papers, strategic plans, support letters, issue papers, talking points, and similar briefing materials
• Monitor legislation and regulatory developments, at both the federal and state level
• Recruit, organize, coach, and lead a vibrant university advocacy team
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with federal legislative and executive branch officials, government entities, and higher education organizations
• Communicate university priorities and policies to internal and external constituencies
• Receive and coordinate inquiries and responses from various stakeholders
• Supervise the government relations advocacy team
• Actively engage in professional development associations
• Other duties as required or assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Six years of federal advocacy experience developing, leading, advising, and executing advocacy strategies for clients before Congress and the Executive Branch
• Experience developing and executing federal appropriations, regulatory strategies, including the drafting, submitting, and advocating on such requests
• Experience preparing written Congressional testimony
• Experience developing advocacy work products, including drafting of bills, position papers, strategic plans, support letters, issue papers, talking points, and similar briefing materials
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel as necessary for legislative sessions, hearings, and related meetings
• Ability to work quickly and accurately with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ethical character and ability to maintain high level of confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in public policy, or the equivalent
• Knowledge of Miami University
• Experience developing, leading, advising, and executing federal higher education advocacy priorities, including appropriations and policy strategies
• Experience monitoring legislation, regulatory developments, appropriations, and research funding opportunities
• Experience delivering client briefings
• Experience managing and training advocacy staff
• Experience recruiting, organizing, coaching, and leading advocates
• Excellent organizational, leadership, analytical, problem solving skills
• Experience guiding advocates through the government relations ecosystem including preparing advocates for office visits, testimony, and briefings
• Experience with the state legislative and appropriation process
• Experience working on behalf of a higher education institution
• Experience researching policy issues

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.   As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1551972326675000&usg=AFQjCNEKpiK_WbsyuDgqK13d6ojJdup1vg">http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at (513) 529-2223.