Assistant Director, Government Affairs

Requisition # 2026-21517

Date Posted 4 days ago(1/30/2026 2:54 PM)

Department: Government Affairs

Category: Communications and Public Relations

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Assistant Director works with the Associate Vice President and Director of Government Affairs and other Princeton staff to develop and promote the University’s advocacy agenda before the federal government. This position is based in Washington,D.C.

Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Research legislative issues in which the University takes a leadership role (including issues related to higher education policy, the endowment, and fusion energy research)
• Analyze legislative proposals and executive actions that impact higher education or the research community. This includes pulling out key sections for campus comment and synthesizing the subsequent feedback.
• Analyze the federal budget and annual appropriations bills, including submitting appropriations priorities to Congress and providing updates to campus stakeholders
• Assist in the drafting of background memos and policy explainers

Advocacy

• Work with the Office of Communications to develop handouts for members of Congress and their staff on areas of University research advocacy
• Arrange for faculty to meet with congressional staff on key research areas; brief and prepare faculty for those meetings, including drafting background memos and coordinating leave-behind materials.
• Lead the University’s advocacy efforts on the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• Help plan and organize the annual “Fusion Day” on the Hill

Communication with key constituencies

• Attend relevant briefings, meetings, and hearings and prepare summaries and memoranda for appropriate government affairs colleagues and/or campus partners
• Distribute campus and research news to key Capitol Hill constituencies
• Help write updates to campus summarizing policy actions and activities in Washington
• Work with the Office of Communication and the Office of the Dean for Research to identify Princetin research and researchers that would be useful to highlight in our advocacy efforts.
• Serve as the primary liaison to SPIA in D.C.

– Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in a government office or with a university or advocacy group
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
• Strong interest in public policy and government and an ability to analyze and summarize legislative text
• Familiarity with Congress and the appropriations process

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Capitol Hill or Administration experience
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, higher education and/or the scientific research enterprise

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours 36.25

Eligible for Overtime No

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) No

Physical Capacity Exam Required No

Valid Driver’s License Required No

Experience Level Associate

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Salary Range $93,000 to $103,000