Associate Director for Federal Government Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

5d•$100,000 - $125,400•Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia Commonwealth University's Office of Government Relations seeks to hire an Associate Director for Federal Government Relations who will report to the Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations within the Office of Government Relations. The Office of Government Relations provides comprehensive governmental relations services for VCU and the VCU Health System. The office serves as a liaison between the Governor, General Assembly, agencies of the Commonwealth, Richmond City Council and local boards of supervisors, Virginia’s congressional delegation, and federal agencies. The Associate Director will work closely with the Assistant Vice President to pursue University and Health System policy and funding goals, strengthen relationships in Congress and the Executive Branch, support internal stakeholders, raise the profile of VCU and VCU Health with the federal government and national peers, and engage with association partners. The Associate Director will collaborate in the development of federal legislative priorities and execute strategies that advance the overall interests of VCU and VCU Health. In doing so, the Associate Director will conduct and initiate policy and political analysis of key issues, prepare issue briefs, and convey institutional positions and activities to internal constituencies, Congress, and the Executive Branch. The Associate Director will play a key role in providing strategic analysis and policy expertise on a variety of topics, including higher education, research, and health care. Additionally, the Associate Director will facilitate meetings for students, faculty, and administrators with federal officials and manage events in DC and Richmond involving federal officials and their staff. This is a newly created position at VCU; therefore, the successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter and collaborative team member. Strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills are critical. The candidate must possess the ability to multi-task, quickly grasp details of a wide variety of policy issues, and connect daily regulatory and legislative developments to VCU and VCU Health’s overarching goals of student success, research excellence, and patient care. VCU’s federal relations team is based in Washington, D.C. and serves as the primary liaison between Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Health, and federal policymakers. This position will support the federal engagement efforts of both organizations. The role is hybrid and based in Washington, D.C., with regular travel required to VCU’s campus in Richmond.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
At least 5 years of legislative experience in a government role or comparable position in government relations or policy at a private sector organization (including a trade association, university, health care organization, law or lobbying firm, foundation, or advocacy group)
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, including the congressional budget and appropriations process
Ability to establish and build healthy working relationships and partnerships with internal colleagues, members of Congress and their staff, Executive Branch officials, and national associations
Track record of working independently to develop and implement strategic initiatives
A strong sense of accountability, including a commitment to organizing, prioritizing, and planning work activities in a timely manner
Ability to innovate while managing competing and shifting demands in a fast-paced environment
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with elected officials and VCU and VCU Health senior leadership
Experience devising and executing legislative or regulatory strategies to advance a policy goal
Ability to recognize and protect confidential information and exercise tact, good judgment, and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in higher education, research, and/or health policy
Understanding of the structure and operations of major research universities and/or academic health systems
Connection to the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or VCU

Responsibilities

Collaborate in the development of federal legislative priorities and develop strategies that advance the overall interests of VCU and VCU Health
Identify, develop, and execute on opportunities for VCU and VCU Health to influence congressional and federal agencies’ actions and rulemaking
Identify, develop, and execute on opportunities to raise VCU and VCU Health’s profile among policymakers and national peers
Develop and cultivate strategic connections with federal policymakers and staff
Draft internal and external communications, including background memos for senior leaders, legislative updates, letters to Congress, public comments, and talking points
Research, track, and report on federal legislative, budgetary, and regulatory actions that impact the institution
Manage events on Capitol Hill and in Richmond that involve federal government officials and their staff, such as campus visits, roundtables, advocacy days, and receptions
Represent VCU and VCU Health in external coalitions, associations, and advocacy groups
Ability to serve as a registered lobbyist and complete required lobbying disclosures