Associate Director of Federal Affairs

About the role

The Associate Director of Federal Affairs in the Office of Government and Community Affairs supports the University’s activities to engage with the federal government on issues related to its mission of research, education, and service. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Federal Affairs.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (or Washington, DC); Department: President's Center. The role is based in Philadelphia or Washington, DC, with frequent travel between the two cities and periodic travel to other locations.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and analyzing legislation, policy, and political developments
• Drafting communications, talking points, reports, and briefing materials
• Supporting the University’s engagement with key audiences and organizations
• Collaborating with University stakeholders to facilitate events involving public officials, including campus visits, roundtables, and advocacy days
• Being energetically responsive to campus stakeholders, supporting faculty, students, senior administrators, and staff in their engagements with public officials and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of legislative and/or strategic advocacy experience in a government role or government relations experience in a private-sector organization (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Demonstrable knowledge of higher education issues required; Capitol Hill experience preferred
• Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer; consideration will be tailored to the requirements of the job

Pay

Annual salary range: $77,330.00 – $104,000.00. Offers are based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the position, aligned with external market data for the job level and internal peer data at Penn.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
• Tuition: tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions
• Retirement: generous Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans (pre-tax or Roth) with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
• Time Away from Work: substantial paid time off for vacation, personal affairs, illness, and family
• Long-Term Care Insurance: through Genworth Financial for faculty, staff, and eligible family members; no proof of good health required for newly hired employees
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance
• Professional and Personal Development: array of resources for career and personal growth
• University Resources: access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural events (many free for employees and families)
• Discounts and Special Services: savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks, and vehicle purchases
• Flexible Work Hours: non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures to promote balance
• Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia (closing costs or home improvements)
• Adoption Assistance: reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses (travel, court fees) for up to two adoptions per household