Director of Federal Government Relations

About the role

The Director of Federal Government Relations leads the development and execution of the University of California, Riverside's federal advocacy strategy. This role advances UCR's priorities in research, higher education, healthcare, and economic development.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, federal agencies, the Administration, and national associations.
• Serve as a key advisor to campus leadership and faculty on federal policy, legislative developments, and funding opportunities.
• Support faculty engagement in federal initiatives.
• Position UCR competitively for federal investment.
• Strengthen UCR's national visibility.
• Advance institutional priorities through coalitions and partnerships.
• Align federal engagement with the university's long-term strategic and research goals.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge and understanding of general issues in higher education, research or medical science and campus and/or medical center specific issues.
• Expert knowledge of external and campus and/or medical center constituencies, including their composition and areas of concern.
• Expert knowledge of the principles and concepts of building and maintaining effective relationships with external constituencies to achieve institutional goals and objectives.
• Expert level written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including attentive listening skills and skill to ascertain constituency perception.
• Expert skill to quickly identify and develop strategies to effectively communicate the institution's message.
• Expert level analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgment and highly developed political acumen.
• Expert skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and skill to effectively address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of the legislative and political process, and expert skill to correctly and appropriately read, interpret, understand and respond to proposed legislation, including writing effective position statements and drafting proposed legislation.
• Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Consistent exercise of independent and sound judgment and discretion in matters of significance with uncompromising ethics and integrity.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the national political landscape impacting higher education, health care and research.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field of study.
• 8 - 13 years of related experience.
• Prior experience working with Federal elected officials.
• Prior experience in higher education.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with high-level stakeholders.
• Political acumen and strategic thinking.
• Knowledge of the legislative and political process.

Benefits

UCR offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance program

Pay

The full salary range for the Director of Federal Government Relations is $143,000 - $285,000 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $167,016 annually.

Schedule

The Director of Federal Government Relations works a standard 40-hour work week.