Assistant Vice President, Governmental Affairs (Higher Ed Policy)

Summary

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities, is seeking a highly skilled Assistant Vice President, Governmental Affairs (AVP GA) to play a key role in the Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA) on issues related to higher education policy and funding.

Working closely with the Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs, the AVP GA will provide leadership in the development and advancement of APLU’s higher education policy agenda, including authorization issues within the Higher Education Act as well as related budget and appropriations priorities. The position will also focus on engagement with the U.S. Department of Education and relevant White House staff through regulatory processes. Depending on background and qualifications, the position may also include legislative and agency work related to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Successful candidates will be experts on issues related to higher education policy and be able to successfully advocate on behalf of public and land-grant institutions. They will be energetic team players as well as self-starters, have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be detail-oriented and able to effectively manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. A deep interest in the nuances of public policy and a commitment to the values and mission of public universities are a must. 

This full-time position is based in Washington, DC. The incumbent must be eligible to work in the United States, reside in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, and pass standard background checks. They are eligible for a hybrid work schedule. For more information on the association, consult www.aplu.org.

Background

APLU is a membership organization that fosters a community of university leaders collectively working to advance the mission of public and land-grant universities. The association’s membership consists of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations spanning across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, Canada, and Mexico. Annually, member campuses enroll 5.4 million undergraduates and 1.5 million graduate students, award 1.5 million degrees, employ 1.4 million faculty and staff, and conduct $73 billion in university-based research.

APLU’s Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA) leads the association’s engagement with Congress and the Executive Branch to advance policy that furthers the ability of public and land-grant universities to impact society through their education, research, and community engagement missions. As a membership association with institutions in all 50 states, APLU is uniquely positioned to effectively advocate for its policy priorities. APLU’s advocacy is conducted in close collaboration with member institutions through its Council on Governmental Affairs, which consists of university federal relations officers.

Responsibilities 

• In collaboration with the Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs, lead the development and implementation of a proactive federal relations strategy to advance APLU’s policy positions related to higher education, including issues related to student aid, college completion, student basic needs, and higher education accountability and transparency within the Higher Education Act (HEA). Analyze and track legislation and federal regulations in related areas. (The incumbent may also assume responsibilities related to student veteran education policy.)
• Identify and build strategic relationships for the association. Strategically engage with members of Congress, congressional committees, and representatives of relevant agencies within the assigned portfolio on policy and funding issues of importance to public and land-grant universities. Engage with partner organizations and advocacy coalitions by regularly participating in external meetings with partners and identifying opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
• Work closely with the APLU’s Council on Governmental Affairs (CGA) to support the advocacy of member institutions and enhance the association’s advocacy effectiveness.
• Contribute to the design, coordination and management of programming for the CGA, including monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings, on issues within the position’s portfolio.
• Develop opportunities to collaborate and engage with other APLU staff to ensure their knowledge and expertise, as well as that of the councils and commissions they support, are best utilized to advocate for the higher education portfolio.
• Draft policy papers and contribute regular news updates and analyses on matters within the issue portfolio for the CGA and other APLU constituency groups, including presidents and chancellors, provosts, vice presidents for student affairs, etc.
• Work with APLU’s Office of Public Affairs on external communications relative to issue portfolio, including op-eds, website updates, social media content, etc.
• Participate as an integral member of the Office of Governmental Affairs Team and APLU and contribute to a welcoming and collegial workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least ten years of cumulative experience on Capitol Hill, relevant federal agencies, or in positions focused primarily on government affairs related to higher education policy.
• Possess expert knowledge and demonstrated content expertise in areas related to higher education policy as well as experience developing advocacy strategies to accomplish policy goals.
• Ability to develop and implement a proactive federal relations strategy to advance the interests of APLU member institutions in the area of higher education policy.
• Ability to effectively engage as a nonpartisan advocate for public and land-grant universities, representing the interests of APLU’s institutions and those they serve as the top priority.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively about policy solutions and find areas of agreement and common ground with policymakers.
• Ability to develop strategic, effective relationships and partnerships with policy makers, partner organizations, and advocacy coalitions.
• Experience, ability, and desire to interface with high-level university and policy leaders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; exceptional presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide strategic direction and leadership to multiple constituencies.
• Exceptional organizational skills; detail-oriented; able to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed (approximately 2-3 times per year).

 To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: Assistant Vice President, GA. Applications will be reviewed as received and continue until the position is filled, with preference given to those applications received by March 6, 2026. The annual salary for this position ranges from $155,000 - $170,000, depending on experience and qualifications. APLU is committed to a welcoming work environment and supports staff with a generous benefits package.