Boston University (BU) seeks a Director of Federal Relations to represent the University in federal policy deliberations concerning education, research, and health. The Director will serve as a liaison with federal policymakers, identify federal funding trends, and support senior administrators, faculty, students, and staff as they interact with federal officials. The Director will report to the Vice President of Federal Relations and collaborate with the University's Government & Community Affairs and Research offices to advance the University's federal priorities. BU is a leading private research and teaching institution with more than 37,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 300 programs of study. Our scholars and students are at the leading edge of innovation, successfully competing for more than $645 million in total research awards. Our students come from all walks of life: nearly 1 in 5 are first-generation, and 19% of our undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement legislative, regulatory, and communications strategies that advance Boston University's operational and strategic priorities across its mission of education, research, and community engagement. Foster, maintain and leverage legislative and regulatory policy expertise and close, collaborative relationships with federal policymakers to enhance the learning and working environment for the University's students, faculty, and staff.

• Identify opportunities for BU scholars to compete for federal funding, share policy expertise with lawmakers, and interact with federal audiences. Devise and oversee events and prepare written materials and electronic communications that promote BUs federal agenda, raise the profile of BU scholars, and enable BU investigators to share their expertise with federal officials. Utilize in-depth knowledge of Capitol Hill and executive branch agencies to effectively connect policymakers with BU experts.

• Research, track, and report on federal legislative, budgetary, and regulatory actions that impact the University's operations.

• Salary Grade: 50

• Job Location: Washington, DC, United States with occasional travel to Boston

• Position Type: Full-Time/Regular Ability to work remotely up to two days per week.

Required Skills

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with more than eight years of related experience.
• Deep understanding of how the federal government functions and an extensive network of federal contacts, with more than eight years of experience working with Capitol Hill and/or executive branch agencies or commensurate demonstrated experience.
• Experience devising and executing legislative or regulatory strategies to advance a policy goal.
• Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and work independently with good judgment about when to seek direction.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Capacity to juggle different priorities simultaneously, with consistent accuracy, follow-through, and timely completion.
• Ability to recognize and protect confidential information and exercise tact, good judgment, and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in federal higher education and science policy.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and Massachusetts politics.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working with people with a wide array of backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and communication styles.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with more than eight years of related experience.
• Deep understanding of how the federal government functions and an extensive network of federal contacts, with more than eight years of experience working with Capitol Hill and/or executive branch agencies or commensurate demonstrated experience.
• Experience devising and executing legislative or regulatory strategies to advance a policy goal.
• Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and work independently with good judgment about when to seek direction.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Capacity to juggle different priorities simultaneously, with consistent accuracy, follow-through, and timely completion.
• Ability to recognize and protect confidential information and exercise tact, good judgment, and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in federal higher education and science policy.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and Massachusetts politics.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working with people with a wide array of backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and communication styles.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.