Federal Relations Assistant

Universities of Wisconsin•Washington, DC

5d•$55,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Federal Relations Assistant provides administrative and operational support for the Washington, DC-based Office of Federal Relations and coordinates with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Relations on administrative matters. The position reports to the Senior Director of Federal Relations. The role serves as a point of contact for inquiries about federal relations activities; supports the Senior Director and Director with scheduling, calendars, travel, expenditures, reimbursements, and purchases; maintains records and databases; and assists with briefing documents, policy summaries, legislative updates, lobbying disclosure reports, meetings, campus visits, and events involving federal officials. The position also tracks federal legislation and issues as directed. The Office of Federal Relations advocates on federal policies and issues affecting the university, facilitates meetings with congressional and administration representatives, coordinates issue briefings, and serves as a liaison between the University and the federal government. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position based in the office's Washington, DC location. A hybrid schedule may be accommodated, with a preference for at least three on-site days and additional on-site work during certain periods; on-site and remote expectations are negotiable.

Requirements

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience and competency with standard office software, such as Microsoft Office Suite and email/calendar platforms.
Experience coordinating complex scheduling, such as meetings, travel, or calendar management.
Associate's degree required.

Nice To Haves

Prior employment or internship experience with a congressional office, federal agency, or entity that regularly advocates with the federal government.
Experience with the federal lobbying disclosure reporting process.
Familiarity with federal issues affecting higher education.
Familiarity with UW–Madison.
Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative support to the Office of Federal Relations and coordinate with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Relations on administrative matters.
Serve as a point of contact for internal and external inquiries about federal relations activities, providing basic information and routing complex inquiries appropriately.
Support the Senior Director and Director of Federal Relations with scheduling, calendar maintenance, and appointments with congressional offices, federal agencies, and others.
Arrange travel, manage expenditures and reimbursements, and make purchases for the Senior Director and Director.
Maintain files, databases, and documentation related to federal relations activities and communications.
Support preparation of briefing documents, policy summaries, legislative updates, and similar materials.
Ensure timely filing of federal lobbying disclosure reports by collecting and organizing relevant information from Office of Federal Relations staff and outside lobbyists.
Assist in coordinating meetings, campus visits, and events involving federal officials and staff.
Track federal legislation and issues as directed by the Senior Director and Director.
Send, receive, copy, and distribute communications to appropriate entities according to established policies and procedures.
Schedule logistics and secure resources for meetings, conferences, travel, and work unit operations.
Maintain electronic and physical records using established methods and organizational systems.
Collect, analyze, and prepare communication materials from established sources using technology.