Director, Federal Relations (Washington, D.C.)

Duties & Responsibilities: Overall Strategy and Agenda setting:

• Work with the Executive Director to develop the annual federal relations agenda and formulate an execution strategy to achieve established goals that reflect the priorities of the Office of the President.
• Work with campus stakeholders, associations, organizations, and consultants to identify research opportunities and issues most relevant to strategic federal priorities.
• Monitor, research, and draft analyses of federal legislative and regulatory issues relevant to UA.Represent UA at meetings in Washington, D.C. and at various other locations in the United States.
• Work with GCR staff to ensure effective coordination between Arizona and Washington based grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Travel to campuses in Tucson and Phoenix, and other facilities throughout Arizona, as necessary, to maintain relationships and provide expertise to UA stakeholders and the campus community.
• Federal Relations/Legislative Liaison/Lobbying:
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with members of the Arizona congressional delegation, other Members of Congress, congressional staff, and House and Senate committee staff.
• Support federal appropriations and authorizing activities by helping to coordinate campus priorities, preparing supporting materials, and engaging with congressional offices and committee staff.
• Partner with campus stakeholders and consultants to identify federal agency funding opportunities and support competitive funding proposals that further UA priorities.
• Prepare and staff UA leadership, administrators, and faculty members for Capitol Hill meetings, hearings, briefings, and other visits.
• Maintain regular communication with Capitol Hill staff on relevant research and activities on campus.
• Maintain registration as a lobbyist for the University of Arizona, track lobbying activities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and assist with lobbying disclosure reporting and filings as needed.
• Campus Relations:
• Respond to requests from the UA campus community and stakeholders regarding federal legislative issues.
• Maintain regular communication on legislative actions and issues relevant to the campus community.
• Events:
• Coordinate visits, briefings, and events for federal stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and on UA campuses.
• Help manage event logistics, including scheduling, materials preparation, registration, and room setup.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, especially the structures, roles, and interpersonal dynamics.
• Knowledge of policy issues and political dynamics in Arizona.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Networking and leadership skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of programs including, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience. Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Ability to travel throughout the Washington, DC area, Arizona, and elsewhere as requested.

Benefits: Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay$75,540 - $98,201 Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade10Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. The grade range for this position is $75,540 - $120,863. Each unit typically sets starting paybetween the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Payfield above. Career Stream and LevelPC3Job FamilyGov, Tribal, & Cmty Relations Job Function University Advancement Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies1Target Hire Date 8/24/2026 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Julie Katsel, jkatsel@arizona.eduOpen Date 8/19/2026 Open Until FilledYesDocuments Needed to ApplyResume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.