Government Relations Specialist

Under the direction of the Director of NTID Government Relations, the Government Relations Specialist assists with all government affairs, including but not limited to Congressional and Education Department relationships in support of NTID’s federal agenda and budget (currently at $92.5M annually), budget formulation and passage, federal regulatory compliance, and federal reporting requirements (with primary responsibility for NTID’s 200-page Annual Report).

Job Responsibilities

Support Relationship Between NTID and the U.S. Congress

• Coordinate regular trips to Washington D.C. and online meetings for NTID President and Director of NTID Government Relations to meet with Congressional staff. This includes booking meetings, preparing briefing materials, and preparing NTID information packets for Congressional staffers.
• Draft and update briefing documents shared with Congress about NTID and its appropriations request, the annual written testimony to be submitted to the Congressional Record in defense of NTID’s current fiscal year budget request, and the letters supportive Members of Congress are invited to submit on behalf of NTID.
• Monitor all Congressional hearings on the Department of Education budget, as well as other hearings of interest to NTID (e.g., career and technical education, access technologies, etc.).
• Monitor Congressional members of interest to NTID on social media, in the press, on their websites, etc.
• Maintain a database on Congressional meetings, contacts, and job coordination.
• Coordinate the production of the 200-page Annual Report required by the Education of the Deaf Act (a four-month endeavor involving more than 50 contributors) and be responsible for its submission to the U.S. Secretary of Education and ED staff. Also responsible for editing and submitting the Endowment Report, Overhead Study, Annual Compliance Review, Annual RIT Independent Audit, Financial Statements, Annual Research Report, and MSSE Report.
• Ensure the report is distributed to all appropriate recipients including Congressional oversight committees, RIT Board of Trustees, NTID National Advisory Group, and more.

Support Relationship Between NTID and the U.S. Department of Education (ED)

• Assist with the annual budget request submission to the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
• Coordinate annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) submissions with the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Analytics & Assessment.
• Monitor OSERS and other ED communications.
• Provide logistical support for the biennial ED monitoring visit to NTID.

Assist with Other Government Relations Activities

• Provide support for on-site government-related activities at NTID, including speeches, briefings, meetings, tours, conferences/summits featuring the participation of elected officials, and special awards.
• Invite government attendees to non-government-related NTID events (e.g., guest speakers, theatrical productions, conferences, NAG, summits).
• Represent NTID in RIT’s Roar the Vote voter engagement initiative and help coordinate NTID’s portion of activities.
• Coordinate and encourage Congressional internship opportunities for NTID students, working with NCCC, Dept. of Liberal Studies/LEAD, and Congressional offices.

Required Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with at least one year of related experience in government or a related field or a related degree (e.g., political science, public policy), including large-scale project management experience. Experience in a college or university setting is a plus.

Skills

• Strong written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to be nonpartisan, collaborative, and confidential.
• The position also requires an excellent understanding and appreciation of NTID’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Proficiency in ASL or a strong commitment to developing ASL proficiency.

Learn more here