Director, Federal Relations - Agency Engagement

California State University; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as the Director of Federal Relations, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the CSU's voice in national discussions on research and funding. This dynamic position involves strategic interactions with federal agencies and Congress, promoting the CSU's agenda while managing sensitive matters with utmost confidentiality. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in public policy advocacy and exceptional communication skills, working collaboratively to enhance the CSU's impact. With a robust benefits package and a commitment to higher education access, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence federal relations from the heart of Washington, D.C.

Benefits

Outstanding vacation plans

Health and dental plans

Fee waiver education program

Membership in PERS

15 paid holidays

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in public policy advocacy required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee CSU federal agency agenda strategies.
• Interact with Congress and federal agencies to facilitate engagement.

Skills

Public policy advocacy

Excellent written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to handle sensitive issues

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Director, Federal Relations – Agency Engagement. The CSU Chancellor's Office is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $13,858 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this classification is $6,891 to $22,119 per month.

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Director, Federal Relations – Agency Engagement to play a key role in the Office of Federal Relations’ (OFR) efforts to make the CSU a thoughtful, effective, and significant voice in the nation’s capital on research, economic development, and other funding and any other matters directly affecting the system or its campuses. This position is responsible for directing and overseeing the efforts of the OFR in regard to matters of federal science, economic development, workforce development, and agriculture policies and funding opportunities and with any other matters affecting the CSU system and its universities. At the direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, the director takes a proactive role in advancing the system's agenda in the nation's capital through effective and responsive interaction with federal funding agencies in the Executive branch and Congress, provides strategic advice regarding outreach and communications on issues of importance to internal audiences within CSU universities and the Chancellor’s Office, as well as external audiences such as DC-based higher education and science associations and coalitions as well as think tanks, and other national thought leaders.

This position is located in Washington, D.C.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

1. Assists the Assistant Vice Chancellor in developing a comprehensive strategy for implementing the CSU federal agency agenda and manages and oversees growing the CSU research and sponsored programs portfolio.
2. Tracks, analyzes, and disseminates current regulations, federal funding opportunities, and legislation of interest to the CSU and its universities and communicates with relevant federal agency and Congressional offices to help ensure timely participation by the CSU in federal processes.
3. Interacts with Members of Congress and staff as well as federal agency office leadership, program officers and federal labs personnel to facilitate faculty engagement.
4. Conducts research on funding, policy, and regulatory matters of interest to the CSU and its universities; provides information and/or summaries about such research to Assistant Vice Chancellor and other audiences.
5. Works closely with other divisions of the CO, including the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research, and the Sponsored Programs Administration to identify funding opportunities of interest.
6. Attends and participates in meetings of higher education organizations, such as those hosted by the ACE, APLU, and AASCU, among others.
7. Responds to inquiries (both from within the CSU and from external sources) about the CSU and its positions on matters of federal import.
8. Handles highly confidential and sensitive matters related to regulation, legislation, or executive orders.
9. Organizes visits to CSU campuses by elected officials, members of the Executive Branch and agency staff.
10. Drafts summaries, correspondence and memoranda on relevant matters.
11. Assists with planning and preparations for OFR events in Washington, such as annual Hill Day (meetings, briefings, reception).
12. Assists with development and maintenance of OFR web page and SharePoint site.
13. Coordinates opportunities for D.C.-based alumni and CSU students in Washington, D.C.
14. Registers as a federal lobbyist and files federal lobbying and contribution reports on behalf of the university.

Qualifications

This position requires:

1. Bachelor’s degree and 10 years’ experience required OR equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the applicant has acquired the knowledge and abilities listed below; advanced degree preferred.
2. A strong background in public policy advocacy is required. Experience should include at least 10 years of working directly on California and/or federal public policy matters within the California or federal government systems (legislative and/or executive branches) and include meaningful interaction with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and/or federal agency employees. Additionally, familiarity with the federal grant writing process and best practices is preferred, in order to assist CSU stakeholders in seeking federal grants and contracts.
3. A demonstrated knowledge of legislative, regulatory, budget and appropriations processes and analysis is required to assist with advancing the CSU's federal agenda.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills and business acumen are an essential component of being an effective advocate for the CSU.
5. The ability to deal with politically sensitive issues and maintain strict confidence is required.
6. Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel and other related programs including research programs and network information services are required to fulfill role.
7. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential to successful performance of office duties.
8. Strong proofreading and written communication skills are required for effective drafting of correspondence, memoranda and summaries.
9. Outstanding interpersonal skills are essential for dealing extensively with internal and external audiences to include the ability to interface with senior level executives and management staff.
10. May require travel as needed.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 27, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at [phone].

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. However, this position is based in Washington, D.C.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.