How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan (U-M), a world-class research institution with annual research expenditures of more than $2 billion, seeks a talented and experienced professional to become a Director of Federal Relations for Research in U-M's Office of Federal Relations, located in Washington, D.C. This position reports to the Executive Director of Federal Relations and Federal Research and works in coordination with the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of Government Relations. The U-M Office of Federal Relations advocates on behalf of the university's federal research and higher education interests. The Director will assist in creating and managing relationships with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government on matters relevant to the University, and will represent the University with federal policymakers, associations, coalitions, and other organizations and alliances aligned with U-M's mission and priorities.
The position will be based in Washington, D.C. with some travel to campus as well as to various association meetings required.
Responsibilities*
The Director of Federal Relations for Research will:
Represent the University's research-related priorities with key policy-makers in the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and White House and other key external stakeholders including national associations, coalitions and other organizations, as appropriate.
Analyze, monitor and prioritize legislation and regulations affecting the University and the higher education community, developing and executing strategies to respond to issues, and working with relevant higher education associations and coalitions to advance the University's research interests.
Advise on, and keep University stakeholders apprised of, federal legislation and regulations and proactively seek input on policies impacting the University on issues related to the federal research portfolio.
Assist with research development activities related to national priorities including information gathering, advocacy, site visit planning, interactions with federal agencies, etc.
Plan, manage and execute events, special meetings, briefings, receptions and other University activities related to the Office of Federal Relations.
Draft position papers, statements, presentations, and memorandums on relevant issues for review and communication to both internal and external audiences.
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.
Assist in coordinating weekly updates to campus, and other communication activities as needed.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
At least 5-7 years of experience working in federal government relations and/or a senior legislative policy role in the U.S. Congress.
Demonstrated experience with or working for key federal research agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA and Department of Energy.
Desired Qualifications*
House, Senate or Federal Agency experience related to issues impacting federal research.
Demonstrated experience managing a policy portfolio and/or managing federal relations activities related to science and technology policy, and research-related issues.
Knowledge of the federal legislative process, including budget and appropriations.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with a keen attention to detail.
Strong communications, interpersonal and public speaking skills to effectively educate and interact with internal and external audiences.
A willingness to learn new skills, show initiative, and take on new challenges.
The ability to work well on a team and navigate relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and contribute to a welcoming and collegial workplace.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.