Associate Director for Federal Government Relations

Advertising Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University's Office of Government Relations seeks to hire an Associate Director for Federal Government Relations who will report to the Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations within the Office of Government Relations.

Position Overview

The Associate Director will work closely with the Assistant Vice President to pursue University and Health System policy and funding goals, strengthen relationships in Congress and the Executive Branch, support internal stakeholders, raise the profile of VCU and VCU Health with the federal government and national peers, and engage with association partners. The Associate Director will collaborate in the development of federal legislative priorities and execute strategies that advance the overall interests of VCU and VCU Health.

This is a newly created position at VCU; therefore, the successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter and collaborative team member. The role is hybrid and based in Washington, D.C., with regular travel required to VCU’s campus in Richmond.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the development of federal legislative priorities and develop strategies that advance the overall interests of VCU and VCU Health
• Identify, develop, and execute on opportunities for VCU and VCU Health to influence congressional and federal agencies’ actions and rulemaking
• Identify, develop, and execute on opportunities to raise VCU and VCU Health’s profile among policymakers and national peers
• Develop and cultivate strategic connections with federal policymakers and staff
• Draft internal and external communications, including background memos for senior leaders, legislative updates, letters to Congress, public comments, and talking points
• Research, track, and report on federal legislative, budgetary, and regulatory actions that impact the institution
• Manage events on Capitol Hill and in Richmond that involve federal government officials and their staff
• Represent VCU and VCU Health in external coalitions, associations, and advocacy groups
• Ability to serve as a registered lobbyist and complete required lobbying disclosures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 5 years of legislative experience in a government role or comparable position in government relations or policy at a private sector organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, including the congressional budget and appropriations process