Job Description

Boston University (BU) Federal Relations seeks a Director of Federal Relations to represent the University in federal policy deliberations concerning education, research, and other matters. The Director will serve as a liaison with federal policymakers, identify trends in federal funding and policy, and support the BU community as they interact with federal officials. Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of how the federal government functions, an extensive network of federal contacts, the demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with policymakers and governmental stakeholders, and experience devising and executing legislative or regulatory strategies to advance policy goals. The Director will report to the Vice President of Federal Relations. Join our creative, collaborative team we're looking for an experienced professional whose expertise can help shape national policy and strengthen the partnership between the federal government and research universities. BU is a leading private research and teaching institution with more than 37,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff, 300 programs of study, and 130 research centers and institutes. Our scholars and students are at the forefront of innovation, successfully competing for more than $579 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 receive Pell Grants.

Key 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. 
• Envision, design, plan, prepare, and produce meetings, events, written materials, and electronic communications that promote BUs federal agenda and increase support for our students, scholars, and research.
• Proactively research, track, and report on federal legislative, budgetary, and regulatory actions that impact the University's operations.
• Represent the University at public meetings and events with policymakers and governmental entities.

Required Skills

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• Bachelor's degree with eight or more years of related experience.
• Deep understanding of how the federal government functions and an extensive network of federal contacts, with more than five years of experience working with Capitol Hill, the executive branch, think tanks, or Washington-based nongovernmental organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with policymakers and nongovernmental stakeholders. 
• 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 projects simultaneously, with consistent accuracy, follow-through, and timely completion of projects.
• 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 New England 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.

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.

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