Position Title:Federal Relations Associate Director Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience Preferred Qualifications:5 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, working in or with Congress, administration or federal agencies or a related field, with a proven track record of federal advocacy. JD, MPA, or related master’s degree Knowledge of higher education policy issues and understanding of the structure and operations of a major research university, especially in relation to federal agencies and/or Congress. Established network and experience working in or building relationships with federal legislative and/or executive branch representatives. Strong understanding of federal policy processes, appropriations, and research funding mechanisms. Experience navigating complex policy environments with diplomacy, strategic thinking, and political acumen. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to varied audiences. Ability to develop effective advocacy strategies that are aligned with university priorities; and successfully represent the university’s broad federal interests to Congress and within the broader higher education community Job Description: Iowa State University seeks an experienced, strategic, and proactive Federal Relations Associate Director to lead and manage federal relations reporting directly to the Senior Advisor to the President in the Office of the President. This pivotal role serves as the University’s advocate and liaison with federal government entities, including legislative and executive branches, ensuring Iowa State’s interests are represented on a national stage. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping federal legislative strategies, building meaningful relationships with federal stakeholders, and influencing national policy conversations to advance the University’s mission of innovation, research, and education. Key Responsibilities: Federal Advocacy and Strategic Leadership + Develop and implement effective federal legislative and advocacy strategies aligned with Iowa State University’s mission and priorities. + Lead efforts to identify, monitor, and analyze key federal policy, regulatory, and budgetary developments, providing timely and actionable recommendations to University leadership. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building + Build and maintain strong relationships with federal legislative and executive branch officials, staff, and agencies to promote the University's interests. + Strengthen the University’s visibility and influence by participating in and contributing to national associations, coalitions, and policy boards. Federal Policy Insights and Communications + Identify and attend relevant congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings to represent and advocate for the University’s priorities. + Informs University leadership, providing regular updates and insights on federal policy changes, funding opportunities, and research initiatives. + Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including faculty and researchers, to align federal advocacy efforts with institutional goals. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support + Partner with external organizations, coalitions, and peer institutions to advance shared federal policy objectives. + Respond to inquiries from key stakeholders with professionalism and accuracy, ensuring seamless communication. Level Guidelines• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist• Provides guidance to students The position will be based in Ames, Iowa with travel to Washington, D.C. and other domestic travel as determined by business needs. The position will be at-will and serves at the pleasure of university administration. Appointment Type:Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period Time Type:Full time Pay Grade:PS811 Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program Original Posting Date: January 25, 2025 Posting Close Date:February 23, 2025 Job Requisition Number:R16196 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu . If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 . General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.