Director, Federal Relations - Agency Engagement

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Director of Federal Relations to lead efforts in advocating for CSU’s interests in Washington, D.C. This role involves strategic interaction with federal agencies and Congress, enhancing CSU's voice on critical funding and policy matters. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public policy advocacy, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive information. Join a dynamic team dedicated to higher education access and make a significant impact in the nation’s capital. This position offers a blend of telecommuting and in-office work, providing a flexible work environment while engaging in meaningful initiatives.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Holidays

Fee Waiver Education Program

Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in public policy advocacy required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Public Policy Advocacy

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Advanced Degree

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Director, Federal Relations - Agency Engagement

Apply now Job no: 545978
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Chancellor's Office - Washington D.C.
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

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.

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.

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.