Sr. Director Federal Relations

Position Title: Senior Director of Federal Relations

Classification: Director 1 - Government Relations (9365GR)

Reports To: Executive Director Government Relations

Salary Range: $186k - $220k annually
Location: Washington, D.C., in-office/in-person

Position Summary:
The University is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to serve as Senior Director of Federal Relations, based in Washington, D.C. This senior-level position is responsible for directing the University's federal advocacy agenda, cultivating relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and providing strategic counsel on federal issues affecting higher education and research. Reporting to the Executive Director of Government Relations, the Senior Director plays a key role in positioning the University as a national leader in research, education, and public service.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Advocacy & Policy Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal relations strategy to advance the University's priorities, including research funding, student financial aid, innovation, and regulatory matters.
• Monitor, analyze, and provide strategic insights on federal legislation, executive actions, and budget proposals that impact higher education institutions.
• Advocate for institutional priorities through direct engagement with the legislative and executive branches, including appropriations, authorizations, and regulatory affairs.
• Draft policy briefs, testimonies, and advocacy materials to support the University's positions.

Federal Engagement & External Relations

• Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and higher education coalitions.
• Represent the University in key national associations and advisory groups (e.g., AAU, APLU, National Academies) and engage in working groups focused on federal policy.
• Coordinate meetings, briefings, and events involving federal officials, University leadership, faculty, and alumni.
• Facilitate faculty testimony and participation in congressional roundtables, hearings, and agency consultations.

Internal Coordination & Institutional Alignment

• Advise senior leadership, administrators, and faculty on federal trends, opportunities, and challenges relevant to institutional objectives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units across the University to align advocacy efforts with strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement federal engagement strategies for University stakeholders, including faculty visits to Washington and advocacy training.
• Ensure compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and related reporting requirements.

Team Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead and manage the Office of Federal Relations, including budgeting and staffing.
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and impact.

Compensation & Benefits:
The University offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, commensurate with experience. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact federal relations program and shape the future of higher education and research policy on a national scale.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in federal government relations, higher education policy, or legislative affairs.
• Deep knowledge of federal research appropriations, student aid programs, and regulatory frameworks affecting higher education.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing impactful advocacy strategies at the federal level.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policies into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across organizational and political boundaries.
• A strong sense of integrity, commitment to equal opportunity, and the ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

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.

Salary Range: $186k - $220k 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 of Minnesota

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 system wide strategic plans.