Chief Federal Relations Strategist (DC)

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California seeks a strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Federal Relations, directing USC’s federal agenda and advocacy in Washington, D.C. The role requires senior-level experience, cross-partisan engagement, and the ability to translate policy priorities into coordinated actions across university partners.

The VPFR will advise top leadership, manage a small federal relations team, and cultivate relationships with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of federal relations/government affairs experience.
• 5+ years in leadership and management roles.
• Strong bipartisan relationship-building with officials and staff.
• Excellent judgement, political acumen, discretion in sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute USC’s federal agenda across Congress, White House, and federal agencies.
• Advise senior leadership on federal policy, regulatory, and funding environments.
• Represent USC to national stakeholders and build cross-partisan relationships.
• Lead and develop USC’s federal relations team and manage budget, vendors, and consultants.
• Coordinate federal strategy with academic leadership and ensure messaging alignment.

Skills

Federal relations

Relationship building

Leadership

Policy advocacy

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

University of Southern California seeks a strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Federal Relations, directing USC’s federal agenda and advocacy in Washington, D.C. The role requires senior-level experience, cross-partisan engagement, and the ability to translate policy priorities into coordinated actions across university partners.

The VPFR will advise top leadership, manage a small federal relations team, and cultivate relationships with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.