Assistant Director for Government Relations and Legislative Analysis

Job Posting

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President.

Department Overview

The University of California’s Office of Federal Governmental Relations is located at the UC Washington Center in Washington, DC. As the largest public research institution in the world, the university engages in numerous partnerships with federal education, health care and research agencies. Working with Congress, the administration, federal agencies and national organizations, we advocate for the university and its policy and fiscal priorities in education, research, healthcare and public service.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Government Relations and Legislative Analysis has responsibility for legislative analysis and advocacy on federal policies impacting the University of California, with a focus on education and health care related issues. The position is within the University of California’s Office of Federal Governmental Relations (FGR) located in Washington, DC, and is under the supervision of the Senior Director for FGR. The Assistant Director assists in planning, developing and implementing strategies for government relations and related advocacy activities, including developing and advancing priorities and policy positions through engagement with federal government officials and/or their staff. The Federal Government Relations office is operating in a hybrid model where the Assistant Director will be required to come into the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of most weeks, with some additional in-person days as job responsibilities and staffing needs dictate.

Key Responsibilities

50% Legislative Analysis: Under the direction of the Senior Director, the Assistant Director for Government Relations and Legislative Analysis provides policy and legislative analysis, develops policy statements, congressional correspondence, legislative background materials, hearing summaries and other materials and provides support to the Director of Education and the Director of Health and Clinical Affairs. The Assistant Director is responsible for researching, analyzing, monitoring and reporting on federal legislative, regulatory, funding and policy issues and initiatives that impact UC and the institution’s priorities. These may include but are not limited to student financial aid, immigration and visas, teacher preparation, educational research, basic needs, the humanities, graduate medical education, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, biomedical research, health care regulation, public health as well as health and higher education-related appropriations.

The Assistant Director attends, monitors and reports back on legislative hearings, briefings and meetings; engages in association, industry and coalition activities and develops reports and summaries that may be communicated verbally or in written form to the governmental relations office for use with university, campus, academic health center and lab leadership and staff, as well as other constituencies.

As part of research, analysis and reporting, the Assistant Director interacts with university personnel at the Office of the President, the campuses, University of California Health, student leadership as well as with congressional, executive branch, association and industry to assist in the development and execution of UC policy and advocacy materials and strategies.

25% Federal Advocacy: Under the direction of the Senior Director and in coordination with advocacy and legislative staff, assists with implementation of advocacy-related events and activities that advance UC’s federal priorities, including supporting efforts related to federal engagement with UC’s grassroots advocacy network. The Assistant Director will organize UC systemwide participation in advocacy days, Congressional briefings, and other events as needed.

The Assistant Director develops and maintains working relationships with congressional staff, executive branch representatives, elected student leaders and professional staff, and UC Office of the President (UCOP), campus and academic health center stakeholders, as well as key contacts at national associations/partners to advance federal advocacy goals and priorities.

The Assistant Director works with advocates of other universities, health systems, higher education and hospital associations, as well as private and public entities, on building advocacy coalitions.

Other duties as assigned.

25% Communications: The Assistant Director drafts advocacy messages to the Congressional delegation and develops written materials such as fact sheets and talking points, to support the University’s governmental relations and advocacy efforts before Congress and the executive branch on legislation, regulatory activity, funding opportunities and initiatives.

Responds to information requests related to the university, UC’s priorities, and legislative, regulatory and policy matters from congressional offices and agencies, as well as university, campuses, academic health center and lab leadership and staff.

Assists in the development of content for use with UC’s grassroots advocacy network, including digital campaign content, social media and other forms of digital communication relevant to the position’s key issues.

Acts as liaison between UC student associations and FGR in coordinating meetings and sharing out meeting a mutual agenda and notes after the meeting.

Shares responsibility for hiring and managing interns in collaboration with the two other Assistant Directors in FGR.

Experience

Required Qualifications

• A minimum 3 – 5 years of experience in advocacy or governmental relations and researching complex subject matter, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and executive branches of the federal government – the U.S. Congress, the White House, and the federal educational and health care agencies. Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; the ability to quickly research and collect pertinent information from related reports and knowledgeable persons, to integrate essential information, and use that information to define and validate options and alternatives; and the ability to develop recommendations and justification for the most productive course of action.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. The ability to concisely translate complicated technical issues into layman’s language is needed. Ability to concisely articulate University positions on legislative matters is essential.
• Effectiveness under pressure with ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment with competing demands and strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze national trends, issues and policy developments that could impact the university as well as proven success in developing and recommending strategic advocacy plans.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of and appreciation for political sensitivities, and the ability to work effectively as a member of a team of professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with diverse groups of individuals such as Office of the President, campus staff and federal government representatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some understanding of the organization of the University of California, its missions, programs, budget, ten campuses, three national laboratories and the academic health centers.

Education

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

Job Title

Federal Government Relations Profl 3

Job Code

004337

Salary Grade

Grade 23

Payscale:
$108,000 – $122,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.