Director of Federal Government Relations

Overview

The salary range for this position is $12,500.00 - $13,750.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units : Innovation, Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Technology Transfer, the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, the VPRI is responsible for institutional approval of all grant and contract proposals relating to sponsored research, instruction and service agreements. SDSU’s Government Relations and Public Policy efforts represent the interests of SDSU to the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. This position plays a key leadership role in advancing SDSU’s government relations and public policy priorities.

The Director of Federal Government Relations is a high-profile position, working across the entire campus on issues relevant to research and scholarship, with a small support role for student access and financial aid. The DFGR should reside in a commutable distance from Washington DC, and be available to travel, as-needed, to national locations relevant to the priorities of SDSU, including California or other sites, meetings, or conferences deemed necessary.

The role is responsible for driving SDSU’s advocacy efforts in the federal legislative and regulatory arenas through high-level strategic leadership. This includes identifying and responding to legislative and regulatory threats and opportunities, coordinating engagement strategies, and leveraging subject matter expertise to inform SDSU’s positions. The position also works to build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and other external stakeholders to advance SDSU’s agenda.

The DFGR’s core functions include :

• Building and sustaining SDSU’s federal government relations. Developing and managing relationships with all federal legislators / elected officials’ offices and their staff, serving as the University’s representative.
• Tracking federal (and other, as relevant) legislative activities and providing updates and recommendations around relevant and potentially impactful legislative activities to the VPRI and team.
• Engaging with key legislators and elected officials and their staff or committee staff. Assuring timely and accurate responses to legislative inquiries.
• Coordinating advocacy efforts in partnership with SDSU’s Office of Alumni Affairs, Office of Communications, and Office of the President and working closely with CSU Advocacy and State Relations (ASR) and the CSU Office of Federal Relations.
• Representing the University externally on various boards, committees and at other events. Working with highly sensitive and confidential information.

The DFGR will draft, shape and guide our strategy in this critical area. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the DFGR will have an opportunity to conceptualize a federal government relations function from the ground up, with a focus on elevating SDSU’s profile at all levels.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

Minimum Education & Experience

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

Additional Applicant Information