Associate Director, Higher Education Government Affairs

Associate Director, OXC

Location: Washington, D.C.

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial Associate Director to join our strategic growth team to help drive new business, build account teams, and deliver superior service to clients. This role will serve as chief deputy to a senior director in our Office of the Executive Chairman, working to expand APCO’s market footprint in higher education and beyond.

As a trusted advisor to our clients—ranging from leading research universities to higher education associations and the business and industry supporting them—you will steer government relations, crisis and issues management, market visibility, and other strategies that advance institutional priorities, shape policy outcomes, and strengthen reputational standing. In parallel, you will devote approximately 50% of your time to business development, identifying and cultivating new client relationships and opportunities in industry sectors outside higher education as identified by the Senior Director and Chief Growth Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop, lead, and execute integrated government relations strategies for clients, leveraging deep knowledge of Congressional, federal, and state legislative processes.

Serve as a primary point of contact for client executives, providing counsel on policy impacts, regulatory developments, and advocacy opportunities.

Analyze, track, and communicate the implications of proposed legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities relevant to higher education.

Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, regulatory agencies, and stakeholder organizations at the federal, state, and local levels.

Represent clients in meetings, hearings, and coalition-building efforts; prepare briefing materials, position papers, and advocacy communications.

Partner with firm leadership to identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities—networking and building relationships, crafting proposals, leading pitch meetings, and expanding the firm’s visibility and reputation in the marketplace.

Develop and implement strategies that engage prospective clients.

Contribute to firm thought leadership through research, writing, and participation in industry events.

Mentor and manage junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and professional growth.

Qualifications:

8+ years of professional experience within government relations, public affairs, or public policy, with substantial time spent on the legislative or communications team in a congressional office.

Significant, direct experience working for a college, university, or higher education association, preferably in a c-suite role.

Demonstrated success developing and implementing advocacy strategies and managing complex relationships.

Persuasive writing skills with a keen focus on proper word usage, punctuation, and other elements of AP Style, and the ability to synthesize complex issues for diverse audiences.

Strong, effective communicator with proven public speaking and presentation skills.

Aptitude in business development or client acquisition.

Effective networker, connector, collaborator, and relationship builder.

Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Preferred:

Experience in public policy issues affecting research universities and non-profit organizations.

Familiarity with economic and community development policies and funding streams relevant to higher education.

Experience in leading cross-functional teams.

Compensation Range:

The US base salary for this position ranges from $90,000/year to $120,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee’s pay within this range based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity, and/or geographic location.

Careers at APCO:

Through our recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint, and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies, and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Us

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations, and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants, and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political, and societal issues.

APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure, and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation, and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests and permission to operate, build their reputation, and strengthen their standing. APCO’s integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.

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