Director of Federal Relations

Position Focus:

The Director for Federal Relations is a senior member of the Office of Federal and State Relations, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Federal and State Relations. The Director acts as an ambassador and the face of Yale in Washington, advocating for federal policies that advance Yale’s central missions of teaching, research, and public service.

The Director must have a sophisticated understanding of federal policies affecting universities and be able to assess the potential effect of policy proposals on the university’s pursuit of its mission. In addition to having expertise in federal financial aid and research funding, the Director must be able to gain functional expertise in a broad range of issues affecting universities, such as immigration, health care, intellectual property, or tax. The Director should have a thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory procedures.

The Director develops and implements advocacy strategies that advance the university’s core missions of teaching, research, and public service. The Director must also be proactive in apprising offices in Congress and the Executive branch about Yale’s policies and initiatives and the contributions of leading research universities to the country.

The Director must be energetic and able to work independently with little supervision. The Director also works collaboratively with colleagues within Yale, other universities, and higher education associations. The Director should have excellent communications, leadership, and organizational skills.

This position will be based in Washington, D.C. with regular travel to the Yale campus in New Haven.

Essential Duties

1. Engages frequently with congressional offices, especially the Connecticut delegation, alumni, and the Executive branch to cultivate goodwill, raise issues of concern, and professionally represent Yale.
2. Is responsible for knowing all current and emerging issues within an identified portfolio. Raises issues to leadership and other key university officials.
3. Makes recommendations about the university’s position on policy proposals.
4. Recommends and implements advocacy strategies within the identified portfolio to influence the outcome of legislative and regulatory proposals.
5. Works with the Office of Public Affairs and Communications on communication strategies as a dimension of advocacy for issues of concern to the University.
6. Works closely with colleagues in peer institutions and higher education associations to share information, develop shared positions, and carry out coordinated advocacy strategies.
7. Organizes visits to campus for elected officials, members of the Executive branch, and staff. Arranges events and advocacy visits for Yale faculty. Works with the Associate Vice President for Federal and State Relations on lobbying trips for the President.
8. Develops and maintains good working relationships across the University, including colleagues in the Office of the General Counsel, other administrative offices, and deans or faculty within his or her portfolio. Serves as a lead on issues with a set of clients, such as the University Title IX Coordinator.
9. Prepares briefing papers, talking points, correspondence, and other documents to advance Yale’s agenda.
10. Helps others within the University interpret and apply new regulations.
11. Is based in Washington and travels regularly to campus.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and eight years of demonstrated experience or an equivalent combination of education and related demonstrated experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Excellent writing skills and speaking abilities in small and large groups.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Sound independent judgment. Strictly observes the need for professionalism and confidentiality.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Understanding of the legislative process and regulatory rulemaking procedures. Familiarity with communications strategies using both traditional and social media.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to think critically and creatively about public policy.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. Excellent computer skills, attention to detail, and highly organized.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated experience in Congress or a similar advocacy role preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability and willingness to travel.

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing, and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit “Learn about background checks” under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement:

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

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