Director of Federal Affairs

Director of Federal Affairs

Division: President

Department: 1G1000 Government Relations

Role Code/Title: 01221 Professional/Lecturer (Staff)

Position Number: FPA74W

Position Title: Director of Federal Affairs

ECLS and FSLA: 01-Exec/Prof 12-Month FT

U-range: U20

Recommended Hiring Range: $150,000-$180,000 commensurate with experience

Base Budget Amount: $155,000

Position Reports To: FP497W Ashley Hood - Assistant Vice President of Government & External Affairs U21

Position Summary:

The W&M Office of Government & External Affairs is seeking a Director of Federal Affairs to represent W&M and VIMS in Washington, D.C. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Government & External Affairs, the Director of Federal Affairs leads W&M's engagement with federal government officials and agencies on policy, legislative, and budgetary matters relevant to academic and research interests. This role develops and implements the University's strategic agenda with the federal government. The Director enhances the visibility and influence of W&M and VIMS with federal decision-makers to advance the University's mission.

The position is based in Washington, D.C. and requires travel to W&M's main campus in Williamsburg, VA and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point, VA.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan, priorities, and advocacy strategy for federal relations.
• Develop effective relationships with Members of Congress, key Congressional staff, leadership and members of the Committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate, representatives of the Administration, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate W&M and VIMS requests and outreach to federal policymakers, particularly within the Virginia congressional delegation.
• Monitor federal legislation, rules, and regulations impacting W&M and VIMS, develop institutional responses and assist in University-approved legislative initiatives and appropriations requests.
• Assist faculty, staff, and the Vice Provost for Research in identifying and pursuing federal research funding opportunities.
• Provide strategic guidance, training, and support to senior leaders, faculty, and staff for interactions with decision-makers.
• Prepare reports on federal legislative and regulatory activity for leadership and for government compliance.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with W&M alumni in Washington, D.C.
• Represent W&M and VIMS nationally as part of our participation with associations such as APLU, ACE, AASCU, CASE, with other Virginia public institutions via the Alliance, and with other relevant organizations.
• Identify opportunities to advance W&M's and VIMS' missions, such as speaking engagements, sponsored events, industry partnerships, and shared advocacy initiatives.
• Manage and coordinate with external lobbying firm(s) on all of the above.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by the AVP for Government & External Affairs, Chief of Staff, and President.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Comprehensive experience working on Capitol Hill, conducting federal government relations, or a combination thereof, with a record of effectiveness in advancing objectives.
• Five years of relevant experience required; ten years preferred; and not subject to any kind of lobbying ban.
• Considerable knowledge of legislative process and demonstrated ability to identify legislative issues of relevance and/or concern, solve problems, and successfully propagate the University's legislative agenda.
• Considerable knowledge of political and governmental protocol.
• Considerable knowledge of Congressional and federal policies and legislative/rulemaking processes.
• Proven record of dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to deliver a clear and compelling message.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to actively engaged in divers and equitable thought and promote such a work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Substantive first-hand knowledge of Congressional and federal policies and legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Established connections and experience with research-related funding.
• Established bipartisan relationships.
• Considerable experience and exposure working in education policy.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position will be based in our Washington Center office. Occasional travel to/from the Williamsburg, VA and Gloucester Point, VA campuses will be necessary.
• This position may require work outside of the normal business hours to meet the needs of the office.

Duties:

75% - Federal Relations:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan, priorities, and advocacy strategy for federal relations.
• Develop effective relationships with Members of Congress, key Congressional staff, leadership and members of the Committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate, representatives of the Administration, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate W&M and VIMS requests and outreach to federal policymakers, particularly within the Virginia congressional delegation.
• Monitor federal legislation, rules, and regulations impacting W&M and VIMS, develop institutional responses and assist in University-approved legislative initiatives and appropriations requests.
• Assist faculty, staff, and the Vice Provost for Research in identifying and pursuing federal research funding opportunities.
• Provide strategic guidance, training, and support to senior leaders, faculty, and staff for interactions with decision-makers.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with W&M alumni in Washington, D.C.
• Represent W&M and VIMS nationally as part of our participation with associations such as APLU, ACE, AASCU, CASE, with other Virginia public institutions via the Alliance, and with other relevant organizations.
• Identify opportunities to advance W&M's and VIMS' missions, such as speaking engagements, sponsored events, industry partnerships, and shared advocacy initiatives.
• Manage and coordinate with external lobbying firm(s) on all the above.

25% - Compliance and Other Projects:

• Ensures institution's compliance with all related lobbying disclosure and ethics rules.
• Prepare reports on federal legislative and regulatory activity for leadership and for government compliance.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by the AVP for Government & External Affairs, Chief of Staff, and President.

Learn more and apply

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.