Government Relations, Compliance, and Records Specialist - Legal

The Wistar Institute•Philadelphia, PA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wistar Institute is seeking a hybrid Government Relations, Compliance, and Records Specialist for its legal department. This role will report to the VP, General Counsel, Secretary & Government Relations. The specialist will support and advocate for the Institute's mission and priorities by developing strategic relationships with government agencies and policymakers, monitoring legislative developments, and creating communication materials that often involve complex scientific information. Additionally, the position will support institutional compliance initiatives, policy development, and maintenance to ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and funding requirements. The individual will also serve as the primary contact for matters concerning archives and historical scientific museum collections.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (ex: political science, public administration, public policy, science or a related discipline) is required.
Advanced degrees are welcomed and valued.
Relevant experience in government relations, regulatory affairs, legislative affairs, ideally within state government or Congress, or scientific training at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues as they relate to complex scientific research and effectively communicate them to both internal teams and external government officials.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate high-level executive visits.

Nice To Haves

Proven expertise in issue management, advocacy, or association management are preferred.
Established networks and relationships with state legislators, governors, and local policymakers, particularly in Pennsylvania are preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in fostering partnerships with government officials and policymakers to advocate for the interests of the Wistar Institute; represent the Institute with federal, state, and local agencies; establish strategic relationships that support engagement with policymakers.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislation, proposals, policies, emerging issues, and regulations; determine impact to the Institute; present findings and recommendations as requested.
Assist in influencing government policy and legislative direction to advance the Institute’s goals related to research and training.
Develop and execute initiatives, action committees, briefings, and outreach events; coordinate meetings with state and federal collaborative groups.
Assist in the development of materials related to appropriations, statutory reporting requirements, grant and contract funding requirements, government reporting obligations, and regulatory compliance matters.
Develop and maintain relationships with organizations, associations and strategic partners whose objectives align with the Institute’s mission and advocacy priorities.
Assist in developing communication materials including reports, fact sheets, briefs, memos, and presentations.
Assist with the Institute’s efforts to maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, regulations, and directives, grant conditions, funding agency requirements, and institutional policies; track compliance obligations and maintain related records and documentation.
Assist with managing institutional compliance training programs and monitoring compliance with regulatory, funding agency, and institutional requirements.
Evaluate, organize, and preserve institutional records and documents that have administrative, legal, historical, or operational significance and assist in maintaining information governance practices.
Maintain all records regarding materials in the historical, scientific museum collection, including the location, conservation status, accessioning and deaccessioning of such material as well as being responsible for loan agreements and third-party inquiries relating to material in the museum collection. Supports access management and document control processes for institutional records, archives and museum collection materials.
Assists the Board Secretary in coordinating meetings, including preparation and distribution of agendas, meeting materials, and governance documents.