Federal Government Relations Director

Tulane University; New Orleans (LA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Senior Specialist to serve as its advocate on federal issues in Washington, D.C. This role involves developing engagement strategies, advising senior leadership, and managing federal consultants. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience in federal government relations, especially those with Louisiana ties. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential for success in navigating legislative processes and influencing policy. Regular travel is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in or around federal government.
• Strong relationships with federal policy makers, especially in Louisiana.
• Ability to build professional networks.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advocate for Tulane’s federal interests in D.C.
• Develop federal engagement strategies and advise university leadership.
• Manage federal consultants and resources.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Oral communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Overview

Summary

Serves as Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on federal issues, advancing the university’s legislative, regulatory, and funding priorities in Washington, D.C. Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the Senior Specialist builds and strengthens relationships with members of Congress, federal agencies, and national associations to ensure Tulane’s interests are effectively represented. The position develops and implements comprehensive federal engagement strategies, advises senior university leadership on policy developments and emerging opportunities, and coordinates advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s research, academic, and institutional goals. The position also manages the university’s federal consultants and external government relations resources, ensuring their work aligns with institutional strategies and delivers measurable value. This position requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters. Regular travel to Washington, D.C. and occasional evening or weekend work are required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on federal issues, advancing the university’s priorities in Washington, D.C.
• Develop and implement comprehensive federal engagement strategies; advise senior university leadership on policy developments and emerging opportunities.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s research, academic, and institutional goals.
• Manage the university’s federal consultants and external government relations resources; ensure alignment with institutional strategies and measurable value.
• Exercise sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters.
• Maintain regular travel to Washington, D.C. and accommodate occasional evening or weekend work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with strong attention to detail (writing samples required).
• Strong relationships with current and former federal policy makers and elected officials in the Executive and Legislative branches with Louisiana ties.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and opinion leaders.
• Strategic thinker with strengths in problem solving, consensus building, and working quickly, accurately, and independently under tight deadlines.
• Proactive, positive, and intellectually curious, with the ability to build trust and cultivate broad professional networks.
• Ability to travel to Washington, D.C. as needed.
• Familiarity with higher education systems and issues.
• High degree of discretion and ethical standards.

Required Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• 5+ years of experience working in or around the federal government with demonstrated knowledge of the legislative and executive branches and an understanding of public policy processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of the higher education and research environment, including issues related to federal funding, regulation, and institutional operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Specific experience working with federal officials with ties to Louisiana
• Commitment to the values of higher education and institutional neutrality