Senior Director, Federal Relations & Higher Education Policy

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 210,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition benefit

Medical and dental plans

Health savings account

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks an Associate Vice President of Federal Relations, a senior leader based in Washington, D.C., to direct the university's federal advocacy agenda and shape national policy affecting higher education and research.

This role collaborates with policymakers, campus stakeholders, and academics to secure research funding, student aid, and regulatory alignment while providing strategic counsel and effective communications across the university community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or related field preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive federal government relations or higher education policy experience.
• Experience with federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, OSTP) and congressional processes.
• Ability to distill complex policies into clear, persuasive arguments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal relations strategy.
• Monitor, analyze, and provide insights on federal legislation and budget proposals.
• Advocate for institutional priorities through direct engagement with Congress and federal agencies.
• Draft policy briefs, testimonies, and advocacy materials to support university positions.
• Position university leaders on agency advisory committees and national policy groups.

Skills

Strategic advocacy

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, law, or related field

Job description

The University of Minnesota seeks an Associate Vice President of Federal Relations, a senior leader based in Washington, D.C., to direct the university's federal advocacy agenda and shape national policy affecting higher education and research.

This role collaborates with policymakers, campus stakeholders, and academics to secure research funding, student aid, and regulatory alignment while providing strategic counsel and effective communications across the university community.