Department: Government Relations
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary  

The Associate Director, Federal Relations works under the Director, Federal Relations to provide support and liaising for the University concerning relationships with the U.S. Congress and executive agencies. This role monitors and analyzes legislation and regulations, coordinates routine visits to government branches, and with supervisor input, communicates current federal topics of interest with appropriate University partners and policymakers.

This position will be based in Washington, D.C. office and will require travel to Evanston, Chicago, and other locations as needed.

Hours of work will include in-person engagement with federal policymakers and, on occasion, events on evenings and weekends. This position will require collaboration with the Director, Federal Relations.

Cover letter required to be considered for position 

Principal Accountabilities

�       Monitors and analyzes the impact of standard and routine federal legislation and regulations. 

�       Recommends course of action and proceeds upon supervisor approval.

�       Directly engages with federal policymakers on behalf of the University, under direction of supervisor.

�       Identifies and interprets trends in politics and public policy based on objectives set by supervisor.

�       Coordinates on-going routine visits to Washington, D.C. with NU administrators, faculty and staff.

�       Compiles quarterly lobbying reports, including assisting with University membership reporting.

�       Engages in strategy development with coalition partners to advocate on behalf of higher education.

�       Develop background information and materials for use in Washington, D.C.

�       Create and post messaging content on official Government Relations social media channels, with supervisors input for all of GR.

Minimum Qualifications:

�       Baccalaureate education

�       Approximately one to three years of professional experience in government, academe, or other relevant experience

Minimum Competencies:

�       Strong organizational, time-management and interpersonal communication skills

�       Capacity to work independently and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

�       Experience with advocacy strategies, including but not limited to, shaping policy outcomes, developing and maintaining professional relationships,

�       Familiarity with utilizing communications strategies for policy and advocacy use

Preferred Qualifications:

�       Knowledge of scientific and technological trends relevant to academic research institutions

�       Experience in institutions of higher education, research advocacy, federal policy making, or federal lobbying

�       Understanding of Northwestern Universitys institutional priorities and federal interests

Preferred Competencies:

�       Familiarity with lobby reporting requirements

Target hiring range for this position will be between $68,000-$80,000 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicants education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.