Director of Federal Government Relations

Overview

The salary range for this position is $12,500.00 - $13,750.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units: Innovation, Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Technology Transfer, the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, the VPRI is responsible for institutional approval of all grant and contract proposals relating to sponsored research, instruction and service agreements. SDSU’s Government Relations and Public Policy efforts represent the interests of SDSU to the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. This position plays a key leadership role in advancing SDSU’s government relations and public policy priorities.

The Director of Federal Government Relations is a high-profile position, working across the entire campus on issues relevant to research and scholarship, with a small support role for student access and financial aid. The DFGR should reside in a commutable distance from Washington DC, and be available to travel, as-needed, to national locations relevant to the priorities of SDSU, including California or other sites, meetings, or conferences deemed necessary.

The role is responsible for driving SDSU’s advocacy efforts in the federal legislative and regulatory arenas through high-level strategic leadership. This includes identifying and responding to legislative and regulatory threats and opportunities, coordinating engagement strategies, and leveraging subject matter expertise to inform SDSU’s positions. The position also works to build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and other external stakeholders to advance SDSU’s agenda.

The DFGR’s core functions include:

• Building and sustaining SDSU’s federal government relations. Developing and managing relationships with all federal legislators/elected officials’ offices and their staff, serving as the University’s representative.
• Tracking federal (and other, as relevant) legislative activities and providing updates and recommendations around relevant and potentially impactful legislative activities to the VPRI and team.
• Engaging with key legislators and elected officials and their staff or committee staff. Assuring timely and accurate responses to legislative inquiries.
• Coordinating advocacy efforts in partnership with SDSU’s Office of Alumni Affairs, Office of Communications, and Office of the President and working closely with CSU Advocacy and State Relations (ASR) and the CSU Office of Federal Relations.
• Representing the University externally on various boards, committees and at other events. Working with highly sensitive and confidential information.

The DFGR will draft, shape and guide our strategy in this critical area. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the DFGR will have an opportunity to conceptualize a federal government relations function from the ground up, with a focus on elevating SDSU’s profile at all levels.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.

• Negotiate and advocate policies within 1) legislative and regulatory processes, and 2) the higher education and research communities that advance the interests of SDSU. Ensure that SDSU is represented in any process or discussion where SDSU should be.
• Assert SDSU leadership among federal agencies, congress and allied research advocacy organizations; gather political and policy intelligence on research university issues; and assure that SDSU always has “a seat at the table” in any policy issue or process that affects SDSU, allied research agencies, or the U.S. scientific enterprise.
• Develop, plan, negotiate and execute advocacy strategies for current or anticipated legislative and/or regulatory policies activities. This includes: 1) engaging with the legislative and executive branches through a strategic combination of meetings, written materials, social media, engagement of SDSU faculty and campus leaders (both virtually and in-person, if necessary), and other appropriate tactics; and 2) working with policy and communications team counterparts, and/or external stakeholders that would contribute to effective execution.
• Provide advice, support, and policy analyses to VP DRI, other senior staff members, and appropriate SDSU committees and task forces on issues in the assigned portfolio. Share information on current events and strategies with SDSU staff and constituencies.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Working familiarity with the California Congressional Delegation and a working familiarity with those offices.
• Existing knowledge/relationships with San Diego regional elected officials.
• Skilled at analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents, as well as experience with legislative and regulatory advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
• Highly skilled at representing the University's goals and priorities to governmental and policy partners.
• A dedicated team player committed to a shared vision of success and assisting colleagues in reaching their professional and personal goals
• Charismatic and engaging; able to build relationships quickly
• Flexible and adaptable; thrives on change, innovation and new challenges
• Forward thinking; identifies current and future challenges and proposes effective solutions; understands what issues require a “sense of urgency” and handles accordingly
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to advance the University's goals in the areas of diversity and inclusive excellence
• Exceptional communication skills, including effective writing and public speaking

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and relevant work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in an office or administrative environment.
• Must reside a commutable distance from Washington DC and be available to travel.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• The ability to travel quarterly on occasional University business, and be present at necessary Washington DC-based and other meetings.
• Prior work experience in higher education settings.
• Successful track record of convening federal government stakeholders and facilitating effective strategies for program development and initiatives, particularly related to appropriations and higher education policy.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, history, public affairs, communications, business, or other closely related field.
• Five (5) plus years of experience working in government relations, communications, or other related experience.

Additional Applicant Information

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

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