Director, Federal Relations (Washington, D.C.)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability programs

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Recreation and cultural activities

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking a Director for Federal Relations to advance institutional priorities in Washington, D.C. The role partners with campus stakeholders, associations, and external stakeholders to inform the UA community on federal policy issues.

The position requires travel to Tucson, Arizona, and other locations. Responsibilities include developing the annual federal relations agenda, monitoring federal developments, andStaffing UA leadership for Capitol Hill interactions while

Qualifications

• Bachelor1 degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent mix of education and work.
• Ability to travel within the Washington, DC area, Arizona, and other locations as requested.

Responsibilities

• Develop the annual federal relations agenda and execution strategy with executive leadership.
• Monitor and draft analyses of federal legislative and regulatory issues relevant to UA.
• Represent UA at meetings in Washington, D.C. and other locations.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders and consultants on federal priorities.
• Staff UA leadership for Capitol Hill engagements and maintain liaison with staff.

Skills

Federal policy knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Networking

Public speaking

Analytical skills

Teamwork and independence

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor0 degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director, Federal Relations (Washington, D.C.)

Director, Federal Relations (Washington, D.C.)

Position Highlights

The Director for Federal Relations is a member of the Federal Relations team within the Government & Community Relations Department at the University of Arizona (UA). Under the direction of the Executive Director for Federal Relations, this position assists in advancing UA’s institutional priorities in Washington, D.C., and works with campus partners, national associations, and external stakeholders to provide information and counsel to the UA community on a broad range of federal policy issues. This position is based in Washington, D.C., and requires travel to Tucson, Arizona, and other locations, as needed.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Duties & Responsibilities

Overall Strategy and Agenda setting:

• Work with the Executive Director to develop the annual federal relations agenda and formulate an execution strategy to achieve established goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Work with campus stakeholders, associations, organizations, and consultants to identify research opportunities and issues most relevant to strategic federal priorities.
• Monitor, research, and draft analyses of federal legislative and regulatory issues relevant to UA.
• Represent UA at meetings in Washington, D.C. and at various other locations in the United States.
• Work with GCR staff to ensure effective coordination between Arizona and Washington based grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Travel to campuses in Tucson and Phoenix, and other facilities throughout Arizona, as necessary, to maintain relationships and provide expertise to UA stakeholders and the campus community.

Federal Relations/Legislative Liaison/Lobbying:

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with members of the Arizona congressional delegation, other Members of Congress, congressional staff, and House and Senate committee staff.
• Support federal appropriations and authorizing activities by helping to coordinate campus priorities, preparing supporting materials, and engaging with congressional offices and committee staff.
• Partner with campus stakeholders and consultants to identify federal agency funding opportunities and support competitive funding proposals that further UA priorities.
• Prepare and staff UA leadership, administrators, and faculty members for Capitol Hill meetings, hearings, briefings, and other visits.
• Maintain regular communication with Capitol Hill staff on relevant research and activities on campus.
• Maintain registration as a lobbyist for the University of Arizona, track lobbying activities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and assist with lobbying disclosure reporting and filings as needed.

Campus Relations:

• Respond to requests from the UA campus community and stakeholders regarding federal legislative issues.
• Maintain regular communication on legislative actions and issues relevant to the campus community.

Events:

• Coordinate visits, briefings, and events for federal stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and on UA campuses.
• Help manage event logistics, including scheduling, materials preparation, registration, and room setup.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, especially the structures, roles, and interpersonal dynamics.
• Knowledge of policy issues and political dynamics in Arizona.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Networking and leadership skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including,Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to travel throughout the Washington, DC area, Arizona, and elsewhere as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of the daily Washington operations of Congress and Member offices.
• Experience with policy issues and political dynamics of Arizona and the Arizona delegation.
• Experience with social media tools and other forms of online communication.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category University Advancement

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 10

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator . The grade range for this position is $75,540 - $120,863. Each unit typically sets starting paybetween the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Payfield above.

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Gov, Tribal, & Cmty Relations

Job Function University Advancement

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 8/24/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Julie Katsel,
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/19/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].