DescriptionThe Office of Government Relations is charged with developing and implementing a public affairs strategy to address the legislative goals of the university.
Position Summary:
The Federal Relations Associate is a member of the University of Colorado System's Office of Government Relations team, and reports to the Vice President of Government Relations. This position is permanently located in Washington, DC. The Associate will support the Federal Relations team’s outreach and education activities focused on Congress and federal agencies on behalf of the University of Colorado (CU) System – including all four CU campuses and the system offices. The Federal Relations Associate will manage the flow of important policy news and updates back to the campuses, conduct research and develop educational materials on policy issues, and work to inform key stakeholders about developments at CU. The Associate will manage CU’s DC Government Relations office.

The Federal Relations Associate is supervised by the Associate Vice President for Federal Policy and the Assistant Vice President for Research and Federal Relations. This position is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Assists the Federal Relations team in coordinating CU’s interactions with Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, research organizations, professional societies, university associations, and public policy organizations on higher education-related issues.
• Prepares regular, structured updates to all four CU campuses on their priority legislative and regulatory issues.
• Provides timely e-mail updates to senior CU leadership on breaking federal news relevant to higher education.
• Attends higher education association meetings and participates in calls providing updates on policy issues.
• Researches university and policy information to assist in communication and development of strategy.
• Prepares updates for Congressional offices to highlight the accomplishments of their CU-affiliated constituents, as well as university research activities, outreach, and other relevant news.
• Drafts concise fact sheets, background materials, position papers, talking points, and high-level correspondence for use by the federal team and university leaders and faculty.
• Provides timely and pertinent content and outreach strategies for the Office of Government Relations social media accounts.
• Oversees the management of CU's DC office, which may include: coordinating IT, telephone and office equipment support and maintenance; serving as on-site liaison to the CU in DC Internship program; and performing general office duties.
• Assists in and promotes CU’s engagement with D.C. alumni, including coordination of CU events held in Washington, DC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:

• Knowledge of policy development and governmental institutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Political judgment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be a self-starter and manage project and process timelines.
• Team player with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet deadlines while staying on task with daily assignments; willing to take assignments on short notice and travel to the Hill and/or agencies.
• Ability to successfully negotiate with diplomacy.
• Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Who we are: System Administration, which also houses the Office of the President, is located in the uptown neighborhood of Denver, CO, with an office in Broomfield, CO and a few smaller offices located on the campuses. However, this position is located in Washington D.C. Many of our departments support the educational and research missions of the four University of Colorado campuses. We provide diverse opportunities for professional development, innovation, and collaboration with talented staff and faculty.

What we offer:
Salary: Starting salary for this position is $63,000 and is commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits: The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision and Wellness
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22
• Sick Days: 15
• Holiday Days: 10
• Tuition Benefit: System employees have the benefit on all campuses 
• ECO Pass: RTD Bus and light rail service
• Additional Perks & Programs: Click here to access a few more Perks and Programs

Click here to access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. This position is a University Staff position.

For more information on benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at www.cu.edu/employee-services/.

QualificationsMinimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent professional experience. (The educational requirement may be substituted by professional experience on a year for year basis).
• Three (3) years of experience working in areas related to congressional/federal affairs.
• Ability to travel periodically to Colorado.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A relevant graduate degree or coursework.
• Experience with developing or assessing higher education policy and/or scientific research policy and/or health care policy.
• Interest in advancing the University of Colorado and Colorado higher education and academic research.

Job Category: Business Services
Primary Location: Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Apr 15, 2019
Unposting Date: Ongoing