Government Affairs, Director, Science 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 Director to play a key role in the Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA) on issues related to science and research policy/funding and other top advocacy priorities. The Director develops and advances a portfolio of APLU’s science and research policy and related budget and appropriations priorities. Areas of focus for the position may include the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), environmental sciences/research (Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and technology-transfer and intellectual property (patents and copyrights). Additional or alternative portfolio responsibilities are possible based on interest, expertise, and experience. A successful candidate will be an energetic team player as well as a self-starter, have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be detail-oriented, and be able to juggle 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 reside in DC, MD, or VA, be up to date with their COVID vaccinations, and pass standard background checks. The incumbent is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. For more information, consult www.aplu.org.

Background

APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a membership of more than 251 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. Annually, member campuses enroll 5.4 million undergraduates and 1.4 million graduate students, award 1.5 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $51 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 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

• Help lead the development and implementation of a proactive federal relations strategy to advance APLU’s policy positions related to science and research policy within assigned portfolio. Analyze and track legislation and federal regulations in related areas.

• Engage with members of Congress, congressional committees, and representatives of relevant agencies within assigned portfolio on policy and appropriations issues of importance to public research universities.

• Work closely with the APLU Council on Governmental Affairs to support the advocacy of member institutions and enhance the association’s advocacy effectiveness.

• Engage with partner science organizations and advocacy coalitions by regularly participating in external meetings and identifying opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and shared advocacy on issues related to science and research policy.

• In collaboration with the Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs and the Vice President for Research Policy and Advocacy, help coordinate and manage programming for APLU’s Council on Governmental Affairs, including monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings, in issues within the incumbent’s portfolio.

• Draft policy papers and contribute regular news and analysis on matters of science and research policy issues for the Council on Governmental Affairs and other APLU constituency groups including presidents and chancellors, provosts, vice presidents for research, 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.

• Promote a diverse, inclusive, effective, and positive team environment within the office.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• At least six years of cumulative experience on Capitol Hill, relevant federal agencies, or in positions focused primarily on government affairs related to science 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.

• 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.

• Strong commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion to public higher education, and supporting the ongoing mission of APLU.

• Ability to travel domestically as needed

To Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: Director, Gov. Affairs (Science). Applications will be reviewed as received and continue until the position is filled, with preference given to those applications received by March 3, 2024. Salary will be commensurate with experience. APLU provides a generous benefits package.

APLU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, employing, training, compensating, and promoting staff regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.