Director of Federal Government Relations

Director of Federal Government Relations

Under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Partnership, Government, and Community Relations, and in close partnership with the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, the Director of Federal Government Relations leads the development and execution of the University of California, Riverside's federal advocacy strategy. This role advances UCR's priorities in research, higher education, healthcare, and economic development by cultivating and managing strategic relationships with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, federal agencies, the Administration, and national associations. The Director serves as a key advisor to campus leadership and faculty on federal policy, legislative developments, and funding opportunities; supports faculty engagement in federal initiatives; and positions UCR competitively for federal investment. The role also strengthens UCR's national visibility, advances institutional priorities through coalitions and partnerships, and aligns federal engagement with the university's long-term strategic and research goals.

The full salary range for the Director of Federal Government Relations is $143,000 - $285,000 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $167,016 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. - Required

Advance degree in a related field of study. - Preferred

Experience Requirements

8 - 13 years of related experience. - Required

Prior experience working with Federal elected officials. - Preferred

Prior experience in higher education. - Preferred

Special Conditions

Must pass a background check. - Required

Ability to travel frequently for university related business. - Required

Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours - Required

Minimum Requirements

Expert knowledge and understanding of general issues in higher education, research or medical science and campus and/or medical center specific issues.

Expert knowledge of external and campus and/or medical center constituencies, including their composition and areas of concern.

Expert knowledge of the principles and concepts of building and maintaining effective relationships with external constituencies to achieve institutional goals and objectives.

Expert level written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including attentive listening skills and skill to ascertain constituency perception.

Expert skill to quickly identify and develop strategies to effectively communicate the institution's message.

Expert level analytical and decision-making skills, sound judgment and highly developed political acumen.

Expert skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and skill to effectively address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.

Expert knowledge of all aspects of the legislative and political process, and expert skill to correctly and appropriately read, interpret, understand and respond to proposed legislation, including writing effective position statements and drafting proposed legislation.

Effective relationship-building and collaboration skills.

Consistent exercise of independent and sound judgment and discretion in matters of significance with uncompromising ethics and integrity.

Ability to influence, negotiate with, and persuade others.

Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the national political landscape impacting higher education, health care and research.

Preferred Qualifications

Expert, thorough, in-depth knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the campus and/or medical center, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, infrastructure, history, long-range strategic plans, current issues of concern, accomplishments and awards.

In the heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

• UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
• UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
• UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
• Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
• Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
• UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.