Director, Federal Government Affairs

Job Description

Title: Director, Federal Government Affairs

Main Work Location: Washington, DC

Schedule: Hybrid (at least 2 days per week on site)

Budgeted Salary Range: The target salary range is $183,000 to $195,000

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.

About the Office of Government Affairs:

The Office of Government Affairs (OGA) coordinates and facilitates Stanford University’s interactions with all levels of government, as well as its relationship with neighboring communities. The work of OGA supports the university’s academic mission of teaching and research by serving as the primary point of contact between the university and our partners in federal, state and local governments.

OGA's Washington, DC Office promotes the interests of the University through engagement with federal policymakers and officials, involvement with educational organizations, tracking of pertinent legislation and direct advocacy on a wide variety of issues from funding for the basic sciences to immigration.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Federal Government Affairs, the Director works to advance the university’s federal priorities, including assisting with the day-to-day management and coordination of activities and relationships with federal legislative and agency officials, Stanford faculty and staff, as well as other higher education institutions.

In this role you will focus on:

• In coordination with the AVP, develop and implement federal legislative advocacy strategies that advance the mission of Stanford University.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key legislative and agency staff as well as campus officials and faculty. Communicate effectively with these constituencies, including providing federal audiences with selected, proactive, and timely information about university positions and interests.

• Research, analyze and monitor federal legislative and regulatory activity of interest to Stanford on research policy issues, including identifying, attending and reporting on congressional legislative hearings, briefings and other events. Specific policy areas of focus for the position will depend on the background and interests of the successful candidate.

• Draft position papers, statements, presentations, and memorandums on relevant issues for review and communication to both internal and external audiences.

• Identify, address, and mitigate unforeseen and/or rapidly unfolding events that may negatively impact relationships between Stanford and other constituencies, keeping appropriately advised and informed on a timely basis.

• Actively participate in relevant higher education associations, coalitions and advocacy groups on behalf of the university.

• Coordinate events and campus visits of federal and state officials.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Functional experience in federal government and/or working with Federal agencies or Capitol Hill.

• Experience with research universities or higher education and/or research policy is strongly preferred.

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies.

We are looking for an immediate contributor who is looking for a long-term professional home with strong growth potential.

This role will have occasional business travel to the Stanford campus in Palo Alto, CA. Occasional event staffing may be required (including evenings and weekends).

The duties listed below are intended to provide a general description of the role and may not reflect all tasks associated with the position.