Fed Relations Consultant/Advisor

Position Title: Federal Relations Consultant/Advisor

Classification: M&C Pro 3 - Government Relations (9703GR)

Reports To: Senior Director of Federal Relations

Salary Range: $101,000 - $110,000 annually
Location: Washington, D.C., in-office/in-person

Updated: April 2025

This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional with strong political acumen, excellent communication skills, and a keen interest in higher education, research policy, and the federal legislative process.

• Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring: Track federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments that impact the university's research, education, and operational activities. Provide timely updates and analysis to university leadership and campus stakeholders.
  
  
• Advocacy Support: Assist in the development and execution of advocacy strategies, including drafting policy briefs, advocacy materials, reports, and correspondence to government officials.
  
  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support relationship management with Congressional offices, federal agencies, higher education associations, coalitions, and other key external partners.
  
  
• Campus Coordination: Serve as a liaison between the Federal Relations Office and campus units, helping to connect faculty, researchers, and leadership with federal policymakers when needed. Assist in managing campus requests and projects related to federal engagement.
  
  
• Event Planning and Coordination: Organize and support campus advocacy events in Washington, D.C., such as Capitol Hill briefings, fly-ins, meetings, and receptions involving faculty, students, and leadership.
  
  
• Administrative and Operational Support: Assist with scheduling, travel planning, and general administrative duties for the Federal Relations Office. Maintain key databases and contact lists related to federal engagement efforts.
  
  
• Research and Writing: Draft summaries, memos, newsletters, and briefing documents for internal and external audiences regarding federal developments and the university's activities.
  
  
• Special Projects: Provide project management and support on initiatives aligned with the university's federal priorities.
  
  

• Based full-time in the Washington, D.C. office.
  
  
• Occasional travel to the university's main campus and limited travel elsewhere as needed.
  
  
• Ability to work extended hours during peak legislative activity or special events.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in federal government, government relations, or higher education policy, with demonstrated knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.
  
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with legislative tracking tools.
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience working on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or with a higher education institution or association.
  
  
• Knowledge of research funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE) and/or federal student aid policy.
  
  
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues for non-expert audiences.
  
  
• Familiarity with the structure and missions of R1 research institutions.

About Government and Community Relations

Government and Community Relations advances the interests of the entire University of Minnesota System at the Capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C., and among our community partners and neighbors. Federal Relations monitors the federal budget and major spending bills-as well as agencies that provide significant funding for U of M research-and nurture relationships with our members in Congress and our colleagues in higher education associations.

Pay Range: $101,000 - $110,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the University

The University of Minnesota is a world-class research university and one of the largest in the United States. The University leads the way on mission-driven work opportunities, strong employee engagement, a fantastic benefits package including tuition reimbursement, all in an always-something-new work environment.

Founded in 1851 as a land-grant university, the school now serves more than 70,000 students from 130 countries enrolled on our campuses, thousands of study abroad students, more than 26,000 employees on five campuses across Minnesota, and half a million alumni worldwide.

The University consistently has advanced its mission with exceptional vigor-distinguished by a comprehensive commitment to integrating public engagement deeply into teaching and learning, research, and discovery. The University also strongly embraces equity and diversity as foundational values and has made both engagement and diversity central to systemwide strategic plans.