Associate Vice President of Federal Relations

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 210,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition benefit

Medical and dental plans

Health savings account

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks an Associate Vice President of Federal Relations, a senior leader based in Washington, D.C., to direct the university's federal advocacy agenda and shape national policy affecting higher education and research.

This role collaborates with policymakers, campus stakeholders, and academics to secure research funding, student aid, and regulatory alignment while providing strategic counsel and effective communications across the university community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or related field preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive federal government relations or higher education policy experience.
• Experience with federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, OSTP) and congressional processes.
• Ability to distill complex policies into clear, persuasive arguments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal relations strategy.
• Monitor, analyze, and provide insights on federal legislation and budget proposals.
• Advocate for institutional priorities through direct engagement with Congress and federal agencies.
• Draft policy briefs, testimonies, and advocacy materials to support university positions.
• Position university leaders on agency advisory committees and national policy groups.

Skills

Strategic advocacy

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, law, or related field

Job description

Position Title and Location

Associate Vice President of Federal Relations

Location: Washington, D.C.

Position Summary

The University is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to serve as Associate Vice President of Federal Relations, based in Washington, D.C. This senior-level position is responsible for directing the University's federal advocacy agenda, cultivating relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and providing strategic counsel on federal issues affecting higher education and research. The Associate Vice President plays a key role in positioning the University as a national leader in research, education, and public service.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact federal relations program and shape the future of higher education and research policy on a national scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advocacy & Policy Leadership

• Strategy Development & Execution: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal relations strategy to advance the University's priorities, including research funding, student financial aid, innovation, and regulatory matters.
• Legislative & Policy Analysis: Monitor, analyze, and provide strategic insights on federal legislation, executive actions, and budget proposals that impact higher education institutions.
• Direct Advocacy & Government Relations: Advocate for institutional priorities through direct engagement with the legislative and executive branches, including appropriations, authorizations, and regulatory affairs.
• Policy Communications & Materials: Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to draft policy briefs, testimonies, and advocacy materials to support the University's positions.

Federal Engagement & External Relations

• Bipartisan Advocacy & Coalition Building: Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and other partners to advance institutional priorities.
• Strategic Executive Placement: Proactively identify, nominate, and position University leaders, deans, and subject-matter experts onto federal agency advisory committees (FACA), task forces, study sections, and agency boards (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, OSTP) to shape national research agendas and elevate institutional leadership.
• Association Representation: Represent the University in key national higher education associations and policy groups (e.g., AAU, APLU, National Academies) and actively lead in working groups focused on federal policy and regulatory issues.
• High-Level Convenings & Briefings: Coordinate strategic meetings, delegations, campus site visits, and briefings involving federal officials, University executive leadership, faculty experts, and key alumni network leaders.
• Expert Testimony & Consultations: Facilitate faculty testimony, expert briefings, and participation in congressional roundtables, committee hearings, and executive branch consultations to position the University as a premier resource for federal decision-makers.
• Internal Coordination & Institutional Alignment: Advise senior leadership, administrators, and faculty on federal trends, opportunities, and challenges relevant to institutional objectives.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with academic and administrative units across the University to align advocacy efforts with strategic priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and implement federal engagement strategies for university faculty and staff on key priority areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, higher education policy, or legislative affairs.
• Deep and demonstrated experience working directly with federal agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, OSTP, Department of Education), with a proven track record of navigating executive branch processes, agency leadership, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong background in federal government relations, with comprehensive knowledge of congressional operations, the appropriations process, and executive branch decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing impactful advocacy strategies at the federal level.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policies into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across organizational and political boundaries.
• A strong sense of integrity and ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $210,000 - $250,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing programExcellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.