Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Government Relations

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, AR

7d

About The Position

The University of Arkansas seeks an experienced federal government relations professional to advance the institution's federal legislative and appropriations priorities. This position serves as the University's primary point of contact with Congress, federal agencies, and national higher education associations, with a particular focus on securing federal funding through the annual appropriations process and authorizing legislation. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Government Relations will leverage deep congressional experience, a strong understanding of federal budgeting and appropriations, and established relationships on Capitol Hill to advocate for the University's research, academic, infrastructure, student success, and workforce development priorities. This role requires strategic insight, political intelligence, and the ability to translate complex institutional needs into compelling federal policy and funding requests. This position is located in Fayetteville, AR (with frequent travel to Washington, DC) or Washington, DC. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• At least three years of experience in federal government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs
• At least two years of direct experience working in the U.S. Congress (e.g., as a committee staffer, personal office staff, or leadership staff)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the federal appropriations process, including development and advocacy of funding requests
• Deep understanding of federal budgeting, authorization vs. appropriations, and congressional procedures
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior executives and elected officials
• Strategic thinking and political judgment
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
• Comfort operating independently in a fast-paced federal environment

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Experience representing a public university, research institution, or higher education association
• Existing relationships with Arkansas' congressional delegation and key committee staff
• Experience engaging with federal research agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, USDA, DoD, DOE)
• Familiarity with issues impacting land-grant institutions and public higher education

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive federal government relations strategy aligned with the University's strategic plan and research priorities.
• Represent the University of Arkansas before Congress, federal agencies, and executive branch officials.
• Serve as the University's lead advocate on Capitol Hill, advancing priorities through both authorizing and appropriations processes.
• Maintain active, productive relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and leadership offices, with particular emphasis on:
• House and Senate Appropriations Committees
• Relevant authorizing committees
• Coordinate and lead congressional meetings, campus visits, briefings, and delegations.
• Prepare senior university leadership for meetings with Members of Congress and federal officials, including briefing materials and talking points.
• Lead the development, submission, and advocacy of federal appropriations requests, including but not limited to:
• Programmatic funding increases
• Congressionally directed spending
• Research, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives
• Track and analyze the federal budget, appropriations bills, continuing resolutions, and omnibus packages for impact on the University.
• Work closely with campus stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and align proposals with federal priorities.
• Monitor federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments affecting higher education, research, student aid, and public universities.
• Provide timely analysis and recommendations to university leadership regarding risks, opportunities, and strategic positioning.
• Draft policy memos, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between federal policymakers and university leadership, faculty, and research administrators.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across federal, state, and institutional advocacy efforts.
• Represent the University within national higher education associations and coalitions.
• Build and sustain partnerships with peer institutions, research consortia, and industry partners to advance shared federal priorities.

Benefits

• The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level