Director - Federal Relations

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the VP for Federal Relations, the Director - Federal Relations is a Washington, DC-based role that will serve as one of the points of contact for Northeastern University's engagement at the federal level, providing guidance and advocacy on legislative and regulatory matters and play a vital role in advancing the university's federal interests and shaping policies that support its mission of education, research, and innovation. Key responsibilities include: Government Relations and Advocacy; Legislative Analysis and Policy Development; Federal Funding and Grant Support; Compliance and Reporting; and Visibility.

This position will require the incumbent to register as a federal (LD-2) lobbyist on a quarterly basis. This position will also require some travel (throughout the NU Global network). This position is based on the university's Washington, DC office and is not eligible for remote work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, with a demonstrated ability to analyze and influence policy.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy and relationship-building with federal policymakers and agencies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information and develop creative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of experience in federal relations, government affairs, or a similar role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Members of Congress and Congressional staff with a focus on the following U.S. states (MA, NC, WA, ME, CA, VA, FL and NY). Engagement with House and Senate Committees with jurisdiction of interest to Northeastern University. Active participation in implementing the annual Northeastern University federal appropriations requests (programmatic increases and Congressionally Directed Spending) with Members of Congress.
2. Northeastern University federal relations regularly engages with diplomatic leadership at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. embassies, foreign embassies, and U.S. consulate offices. This position will require active engagement with the diplomatic community to highlight and fulfill NU priorities. Active engagement and support of three (current) Northeastern University Canadian and U.K. campuses. This includes maintaining working relationships with elected and appointed leadership; higher education associations. Serving as a liaison with the contract lobbyists representing these campuses.
3. Active engagement with higher education and research associations (to include but not limited to) the American Council on Education, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and The Science Coalition. Participate in regional associations (to include but not limited to) the Boston Chamber of Commerce, The New England Council and WorldBoston.
4. Supervise a Federal Relations Specialist (one FTE); Federal Relations Co-op student (one).

Position Type

Marketing and Communications

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see .

To apply, visit