Executive Director, Federal Relations; Washington, DC

Position Highlights

This position will provide leadership, strategic direction, and representation for the Federal Relations unit of the UA Government and Community Relations Department (GCR). Under the direction of the Chief Government Relations Officer, this position will work with campus leadership to develop and execute the UA federal agenda, which includes UA’s congressional and federal agency priorities. This position is located in Washington DC and requires travel to Tucson, Arizona.

This position is eligible for a geographic stipend, which will be paid in addition to the base salary. The Geographic Stipend for this position when located in Washington DC is 29% of the base salary rate.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs.

• Oversee all lobbying and advocacy efforts to promote UA priorities before federal agencies and Capitol Hill.
• Establish and execute strategy to implement federal initiatives/partnerships important to the Office of the President.
• Work with the Chief Government Relations Officer to establish and implement a subset of goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Uphold and reflect the established Mission, Goals and Values of UA in all actions and interactions related to UA operations and activities.
• Work with VP of Government and Community Relations to establish and implement a subset of goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive UA federal agenda, working in collaboration with the Office of the President, Office of Research and Partnerships and the Office of the Provost.
• Oversee all UA federal outreach efforts to create and maintain strong UA presence on Capitol Hill, including all official student and faculty engagement, to ensure coordinated messaging.
• Actively participate as the UA representative for relevant national associations.
• Work closely with and coordinate the U of A’s Federal Relation Consulting Firms in formulating and executing the strategy for the university’s federal priorities.
• Make organizational and operational recommendations to the Chief Government Relations Officer and the Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships; provide regular, comprehensive progress updates on UA Federal Relations issues, opportunities, challenges and successes.
• Provide effective and well‑coordinated management that aligns with UA policies and procedures of the Federal Relations, Washington, D.C. office.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance and supervision to the Senior Director, Federal Relations, Special Assistant, Federal Relations and federal consultants; provide clear expectations, solutions and required resources.

• Understanding of the political dynamics within Congress.
• Understanding of the function and structure of federal agencies.
• Ability to effectively navigate the federal legislative process.
• Ability to effectively navigate federal grant‑making agencies and requests for proposals that align with university priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence elected officials, policymakers, agency heads, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and leverage University of Arizona assets to secure grants, federal funds, and relevant legislative authorization and bill language.
• Ability to effectively lead organizational change.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple individuals while promoting a positive professional culture.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel to Tucson, Arizona as well as other occasional travel.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
• 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience leading a team, project, program or function is typically required.

• Two or more years of relevant experience in a higher education institution.
• Master’s degree.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, paid vacation, sick leave, holiday, tuition reduction for employee and family, retirement plans, recreation and cultural activities, etc. Additionally, the position is eligible for a geographic stipend: 29% of base salary when located in Washington DC.

Steve Voeller
sjvoeller