Director of Government Relations

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory•Batavia, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Government Relations under general direction, engages with all relevant levels of government (federal, state, regional, local) and industry with an emphasis on building enduring, productive partnerships that support the Laboratory’s mission. Serve as the chief liaison to select government officials, think tanks, D.C.-based science organizations, and government relations staff from universities and industry. Lead engagements, briefings, and outreach with federal and state officials regarding key Lab activities and initiatives. Provide timely advice, information, and analysis to senior lab management from intelligence and resources gathered through regular engagement with external partners and audiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or other related discipline with 10+ years of experience in public policy, preferably focused at the federal level.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local government executive and legislative structures, bodies, and processes, including a demonstrate strong command of the federal and Illinois state legislative and budget process.
In-depth knowledge of policy issues and a demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex science and technology policy matters to elected officials and industry leaders.
Ability to work collaboratively with the Laboratory’s senior management team
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
Ability to understand and effectively convey the value of science, technology, and research to diverse audiences.
Proficient in enterprise systems to assist with presentations and communications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and/or experience with science and technology or higher education policy position preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor within the Laboratory on evolving government landscape.
Develop and implement tactical outreach strategies to raise awareness of the laboratory’s mission, key initiatives and capabilities with decision makers and key stakeholders in Illinois, South Dakota, and Washington, D.C.
Provide relevant analysis and perspective on federal budget process and insights into government policy changes and priorities to inform Fermilab’s annual and strategic planning processes.
Support research communication by translating complex scientific research findings into understandable language for policymakers, highlighting the potential impact of the Laboratory's work on national priorities.
Provide advice on a broad spectrum of strategically significant and highly complex issues relating to federal, state, and local partnerships and opportunities.
Track the federal and state legislative and budget process to inform laboratory decision-making and serves as chief liaison for Fermilab’s programs, capabilities, and funding requirements and priorities.
Prepare briefing materials, analysis of congressional hearings, and presentations to visiting or interested government officials on laboratory mission, activities, and emerging issues.
Build and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders within the laboratory and external partners across local, state, and federal levels of government.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.