Federal Relations Manager

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

Job summary

The University of Kansas seeks a Federal Relations Manager based in Washington, DC, hybrid with KU offices. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, the role advances university priorities in federal research, higher education and health policy and serves as KU’s Capitol contact.

The position develops and advocates federal policy, engages national associations, and strengthens KU’s advocacy network, including alumni.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, higher education policy or related field.
• Three (3) years of Washington D.C. advocacy experience related to federally sponsored research or higher education policy.
• Formal degree in the cited discipline ensures advanced knowledge and competencies.
• Experience with federal policy processes and national associations is preferred.
• Experience with Kansas congressional delegation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the AVC with managing the university's daily involvement with Congress and federal policy.
• Arrange interactions between KU leadership, Congress, federal officials and staff.
• Identify emerging areas of sponsored research and optimize funding opportunities.
• Advise leadership on potential effects of proposed federal changes.
• Represent KU on national associations addressing research university priorities.
• Engage with national higher education groups and KU alumni networks in DC.
• Support KU's Washington internship program and coordinate with offices.
• Attend hearings and meetings representing the University of Kansas in DC.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy

Job description

Position Overview

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, the Federal Relations Manager helps advance the university's priorities related to sponsored research, higher education policy and health policy at the federal level and serves as a contact person for the University of Kansas in the capitol. This position will be based in Washington D.C. to ensure proximity to national policy discussions. Under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations, the Federal Relations Manager has responsibility for implementing a comprehensive federal relations program that purposefully engages the Chancellor, senior campus leadership of all KU campuses, faculty, and other advocates to elevate the national visibility of the University of Kansas and to increase institutional and financial support from federal funding agencies and federal elected officials.

Job Description

95% - Duties are as follows:

• 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.

5% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position will be hybrid with the option to work in a KU office located in Washington D.C. and a designated remote work location.

Required Qualifications

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


2. Three (3) years of Washington D.C. advocacy experience, preferably in areas related to federally sponsored research and higher education policy.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with research universities and an in-depth understanding of the federal research funding process as demonstrated by application materials and references.


2. Experience with the Kansas congressional delegation as evidenced by application materials.


3. Work experience that demonstrated the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team as evidenced by application materials.


4. Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials and references.


5. Work experience that required the ability to multi-task and quickly grasp details of a wide variety of legislative issues


6. Experience connecting daily legislative and policy developments to the University of Kansas's overarching goals as evidenced by application materials.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review begins Monday, October 12th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Kyle Christian
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range $80,000 - $100,000

Application Review Begins Monday October 12, 2026

Anticipated Start Date Tuesday December 1, 2026