Iowa State University seeks an experienced, strategic, and proactive Federal Relations Associate Director to lead and manage federal relations reporting directly to the Senior Advisor to the President in the Office of the President. This pivotal role serves as the University’s advocate and liaison with federal government entities, including legislative and executive branches, ensuring Iowa State’s interests are represented on a national stage.

The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping federal legislative strategies, building meaningful relationships with federal stakeholders, and influencing national policy conversations to advance the University’s mission of innovation, research, and education.

Key Responsibilities:

Federal Advocacy and Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement effective federal legislative and advocacy strategies aligned with Iowa State University’s mission and priorities.
• Lead efforts to identify, monitor, and analyze key federal policy, regulatory, and budgetary developments, providing timely and actionable recommendations to University leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal legislative and executive branch officials, staff, and agencies to promote the University's interests.
• Strengthen the University’s visibility and influence by participating in and contributing to national associations, coalitions, and policy boards.

Federal Policy Insights and Communications

• Identify and attend relevant congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings to represent and advocate for the University’s priorities.
• Informs University leadership, providing regular updates and insights on federal policy changes, funding opportunities, and research initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including faculty and researchers, to align federal advocacy efforts with institutional goals.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with external organizations, coalitions, and peer institutions to advance shared federal policy objectives.
• Respond to inquiries from key stakeholders with professionalism and accuracy, ensuring seamless communication.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
 

The position will be based in Ames, Iowa with travel to Washington, D.C. and other domestic travel as determined by business needs. 

The position will be at-will and serves at the pleasure of university administration.\

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, working in or with Congress, administration or federal agencies or a related field, with a proven track record of federal advocacy.
• JD, MPA, or related master’s degree
• Knowledge of higher education policy issues and understanding of the structure and operations of a major research university, especially in relation to federal agencies and/or Congress.
• Established network and experience working in or building relationships with federal legislative and/or executive branch representatives.
• Strong understanding of federal policy processes, appropriations, and research funding mechanisms.
• Experience navigating complex policy environments with diplomacy, strategic thinking, and political acumen.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to varied audiences.
• Ability to develop effective advocacy strategies that are aligned with university priorities; and successfully represent the university’s broad federal interests to Congress and within the broader higher education community