Director of Federal Relations for Research

The Office of Federal Relations advocates on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Washington, DC. Our office works to advance the university's interests and serves as a liaison to the federal government.

The Director of Federal Relations for Research will serve as UW-Madison's primary lobbyist to Congress and advocate on federal policies and issues that affect the university related to research, including health, energy, engineering, quantum, AI, space, agriculture, and the environment. The Director serves as a liaison between the university and Congress, including members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation and key committees with related authorization, as well as federal agencies that oversee research and related policies, including the NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, etc.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Relations and working closely with the Senior Director of Federal Relations, the Director of Federal Relations for Research is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategies to effectively communicate and advocate for the priorities of the university to members of Congress and federal agencies.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring federal legislation of interest to the university focused on research and funding for scientific research. Tracking Congressional activity related to higher education research policy.
- Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of national higher education research-related issues and a national network of contacts with leaders in higher education.
- Formulating strategies on federal legislative matters and on issues and actions relating to national higher education associations.
- Preparing, coordinating, and implementing an annual appropriations strategy for UW-Madison.
- Serving as the designated UW-Madison governmental relations representative to national higher education and scientific associations.
- Identifying opportunities for UW-Madison faculty and staff to participate in congressional hearings and other activities on Capitol Hill.
- Communicating regularly with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, research center directors, associate deans for research, and other campus stakeholders.
- Collaborating closely with colleagues in University Relations/Office of Federal Relations on research funding and policy issues.

• 15% Monitors legislative actions that affect institutional activity and make recommendations for policies and procedures to align with legal requirements and applicable laws
• 15% Formulates recommendations and prepares reports based on analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• 10% Delivers directed messaging on institutional priorities to internal and governmental stakeholders
• 15% Represents the institution among governmental stakeholder groups providing organizational information
• 15% Identifies, promotes, and maintains internal and external partnerships to build relationships and represent the interests of the institution
• 15% Advances the institution's interests at the state and/or federal level and shares policy and funding developments that may impact institutional missions
• 15% Establishes relationships with federal agencies, as well as national organizations and associations that are essential to accomplishing the university's mission.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree

Preferred
Master's Degree or other advanced degree preferred in public policy, law, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED:
- Professional experience working with the federal government and/or legislative activities in a federal agency or Congress and demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
- The ability to exercise independent judgment, decision making and confidentiality. Must be comfortable operating with limited supervision, self-motivated, and possess highly developed organizational skills.

Proficiency in the following competencies:
- Communications: Knowledge of oral and written communications issues and ability to express oneself and communicate with others verbally and appropriately, and produce a variety of business documents that demonstrate command of language, clarity of thought, and orderliness of presentation.
- Planning (Tactical/Strategic): Ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall advocacy and government relations strategy.
- Public Relations: Knowledge of organizational practices and considerations for communicating in the public arena, from the University community to members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agencies.
- Legislative Analysis: Knowledge of analysis and application of legislation as it applies to higher education and UW-Madison.
- Relationship Management: Ability to establish and build productive partnerships with internal/external colleagues and stakeholders, the public, regulatory/governmental agencies, etc.

PREFERRED:
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience within a federal agency, Congress, or relevant entity; particularly in federal research policy and/or advocacy.
- Experience with research agency programs and mechanisms, including federal policies and compliance.
- Experience working in or with higher education institutions and knowledge of national higher education issues.
- Knowledge and thorough understanding of the structure and operations of major research universities, especially in relation to federal agencies and Congress.
- Ability to effectively comprehend university priorities in order to develop effective advocacy strategies, and to successfully represent the university's broad federal interests to Congress and within the broader higher education community.
- Familiarity with UW-Madison

Full Time: 100%

This position is located in Washington, DC with occasional travel to Madison, WI required.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $110,197 Maximum $204,967 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced insurance plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Learn more at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Please click the 'Apply Now' button above to begin. After creating a UW Jobs profile, you will be asked to upload a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Kory Breuer
kory.breuer@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Govt Affairs Liaison II (Inst)(CM006)

A02-GENERAL SERVICES/A0223/FEDERAL RELATIONS

Limited

313902-LI