DC Policy Liaison — Federal Relations & Higher Ed

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas in Washington, DC, seeks a Federal Relations Manager to advance sponsored research, higher education policy, and health policy at the federal level.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, this hybrid role engages campus leadership, faculty, and external partners to strengthen national visibility and secure federal support, while coordinating with alumni associations and policy groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, higher education policy or related field.
• Three (3) years of Washington DC advocacy experience, preferably in federally sponsored research and higher education policy.
• Formal degree ensures advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist the AVC with the management of the university's daily involvement with the US Congress and executive branch on legislative policy and regulatory issues in which the university has an interest.
• Arrange interactions between key members of the University of Kansas community and members of congress, federal officials, and key committee and agency staff.
• Ensure the university is aware of emerging areas of sponsored research and positioned to capitalize on these funding streams, including non-traditional or non-peer reviewed channels of support.
• Advise university leadership as to the potential institutional effects of proposed federal legislative changes.
• Develop and advocate federal policy of interest to the University of Kansas and serve as the university's main representative on national associations and advocacy groups that address the priorities of research universities.
• Facilitate the University's deep engagement with the national higher education associations (AAU, APLU, etc.) and work to promote the placement of university leaders within the leadership structure of those organizations.
• Facilitate active involvement in Washington, DC of local University of Kansas alumni to advance the university's mission and federal government relations effort in close coordination and cooperation with the endowment association and the KU Alumni Association.
• Help enhance the university's internship program for students during their time in Washington D.C. Coordinate with internship program leadership to support future growth of the program and interact with Congressional and executive branch offices on behalf of the program.
• Attend government hearings and meetings and represent the University of Kansas with national associations and other research coalition groups in DC.

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, higher education policy or related field

Job description

The University of Kansas in Washington, DC, seeks a Federal Relations Manager to advance sponsored research, higher education policy, and health policy at the federal level.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, this hybrid role engages campus leadership, faculty, and external partners to strengthen national visibility and secure federal support, while coordinating with alumni associations and policy groups.