Associate Vice President for Federal Relations

The Association of American Universities, an association of America’s leading research universities, seeks applications for the position of Associate Vice President for Federal Relations (AVP). This position reports to the Executive Vice President & Vice President for Federal Relations.

The AVP will monitor Congress and federal agencies for issues that affect research universities. This includes federal higher education and tax legislation, regulations, and funding related to: student financial aid and affordability; accountability and accreditation; institutional tax issues; and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. The AVP will develop, negotiate, and execute advocacy strategies for current and anticipated legislative and regulatory proposals and will serve as the association’s lead on issues within the portfolio.

The AVP will have a keen understanding of the legislative process and will work closely with Congress, the Department of Education, the Department of the Treasury, and other executive branch agencies as well as AAU members, other higher education associations, business and industry organizations, and other partner organizations within coalitions. The AVP will navigate, develop, and maintain complex relationships across political lines with key committees including Education and Labor; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Appropriations; Ways & Means; and Finance; as well as congressional leaders and staff.

To read a more detailed list of job duties, please click here: https://www.aau.edu/sites/default/files/AAU-Files/Careers/Associate-Vice-President-for-Federal-Relations-Description.pdf

Applicants will ideally have: (1) strong leadership, advocacy, negotiating, political, strategic planning, and communication skills; (2) expertise and/or experience with federal higher education and tax legislation, regulations, and funding -- particularly as they relate to student financial aid and affordability; accountability and accreditation; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and efforts; (3) experience with tax issues affecting higher education students and institutions; (4) experience engaging with Congress, the Department of Education, and/or other executive branch policymakers; (5) the ability to work effectively and collegially with representatives of member universities, other organizations, and coalitions; and (6) the ability to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment involving many individuals with different backgrounds and interests.

Applicants should have at least 10 years of specifically related experience and a master's/professional degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. University government relations, congressional, and/or executive branch work experience are highly desired, but not required. Nonprofit association experience, discretion, tact, and a sense of humor are also desirable.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. AAU offers robust health, dental, retirement savings, commuting, and other benefits. AAU is an equal opportunity employer.

To be assured of full consideration, please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and where you found this listing by January 18 , 2021 to:

Email: jobs@aau.edu (Please reference AVP for Federal Relations)

Roxanne Murray, Vice President for Administration

Association of American Universities

1200 New York Ave, NW, Suite 550

Washington, DC 20005