DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FEDERAL GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

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Department Overview
Federal Government Relations serves as the primary university representative to federal elected officials and agencies to advocate for UC on federal education, research, health care and public service legislative and policy matters.

Position Summary
Under the direction of the Associate Vice President (AVP), the Deputy Director assists the AVP with assessing, developing and advancing the University of California (UC) Office of Federal Governmental Relations (FGR's) strategic priorities in Washington, D.C. and communicating these priorities to university and federal leaders. The Deputy Director has responsibility, in support of the AVP, within FGR for managing relationships with units of the UC Office of the President (UCOP); the Regents; UC campuses, academic health centers, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and national lab leadership; UC government relations programs; and external audiences to pursue UC federal government relations, advocacy and communications objectives. The Deputy Director prioritizes, manages and, at the request of the AVP, delegates and tracks implementation of certain responsibilities to the FGR Directors. The Deputy Director assists the AVP in determining the appropriate allocation of FGR resources on priority issues and engagements with internal and external stakeholders and audiences.

The Deputy Director is an integral part of FGR management and assumes management responsibility of FGR in the absence of the AVP, and also serves as a representative for the AVP and the office to internal and external stakeholders and audiences. The position requires detailed knowledge of the functions, organizations, structure and procedures of the university as well as the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. The incumbent has the primary leadership role in supporting the AVP in UC systemwide efforts to mobilize internal and third-party advocates to influence the outcome of fiscal and policy matters; defining, reviewing and managing office communications; and serving as the office's representative for a variety of higher education issues. The Deputy Director assists in providing supervision to the Directors, and directly supervises the Operations Manager/Executive Assistant to the AVP.

The position is based at the UC Washington Center (UCDC) and is hybrid with the requirement of three days per week in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

50% STRATEGY: Assumes management responsibilities of FGR in the absence of the AVP and serves as a representative for the AVP to both internal and external stakeholders and audiences. Provides back-up and assistance to the AVP on pertinent responsibilities, including supervising, training, setting standards, coaching, motivating and monitoring workloads across FGR. In consultation with the AVP, provides strategic recommendations and leadership to the overall work of the office and assists the AVP in coordinating the activities of the Washington, DC office. Serves as one of the university's senior representatives in Washington, D.C. In coordination with the AVP and the Directors, engages with federal and professional associations and organizations. Supports the AVP in meetings involving the UC President, Regents, Chancellors, and other UC leadership with key federal officials in Congress, the Administration and federal agencies, including planning and staffing leadership for meetings when needed. Facilitates the production and coordination of written materials for presentation at UC Board of Regents meetings and for UC leadership meetings with members of Congress, the Administration and federal agencies. Consults, advises, and reports to university leadership, faculty, and staff on issues related to the activities and work of the FGR office. Works with UC State Governmental Relations to maintain awareness of key issues, including legislative, administrative and political initiatives. Presents and defends university positions to Congress, the Administration, federal agencies and the higher education community. Assists in defining and supporting the university's overall legislative and budget priorities in support of the university's mission. Prepares memos and presentations to UC leadership on significant federal matters affecting the university, and prepares materials used in communications and presentations by UC leadership. Meets with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of the university, including travel to campuses and UCOP to meet with campus leadership, and UC Board of Regents meetings to promote understanding of the university's government relations objectives.

25% ADVISOR: Serves as the primary advisor for the AVP in all aspects of FGR's work, including personnel, operations, legislative, policy, regulatory, advocacy, communications and administrative that impact the university's mission and priorities. Assists the AVP in monitoring work and facilitating issue management across FGR's legislative, regulatory, budgetary, advocacy, communications and administrative portfolios. Prioritizes, manages, tracks and delegates projects and tasks to FGR staff at the request of the AVP. Identifies and implements strategies for management of high-profile issues that require integration of analyses and advice across multiple stakeholders and issue areas. In collaboration with the Directors, assists with the development, management and implementation of short- and long-range plans for the university's budget and legislative priorities. Coordinates with FGR Directors to secure information requested by Congress, the Administration and federal agencies that will inform their understanding of the university, including its mission and priorities. Works with the campuses, academic health centers, ANR, national labs and UCOP offices, divisions and departments, including Office of Legislative Analysis, Institutional Research and Academic Planning, UC Health, Office of National Labs, Office of General Counsel, the President's Executive Office and others to respond in a timely manner to requests for information from internal and external stakeholders. Assures that FGR staff appropriately identify and coordinate expertise within the university system and arrange for UC faculty, students and staff to participate in meetings, hearings and other events impacting the university. Serves as a point person for coordinating with other UCOP offices, divisions and departments on institutional-related issues.

15% MANAGER: Supervises and manages the Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to the AVP. The Deputy Director assists in providing supervision to the Directors and in ensuring that the university performance process is implemented and executed across the organization.

10% COMMUNICATIONS, SPECIAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS: Assists in the management and coordination of UC-related events designed to raise the profile of the university and its priorities in Washington, D.C. and at the federal level. Defines, reviews, manages and delegates responsibility for communications from FGR for key constituencies (e.g., prepared testimony, talking points, background sheets, etc.). Develops and manages the implementation of FGR special projects and identifies opportunities for engagement and issues of concern to UC. Develops agendas, facilitates and presents information at meetings. Develops and tracks the implementation of an annual FGR strategic plan. Facilitates and coordinates weekly zoom and bi-annual in-person systemwide federal governmental relations meetings. Serves as liaison with UC Washington Center academic programs and events.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in advocacy relations, governmental relations or communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of public policy, as well as detailed knowledge of the organization, functions, processes, and procedures of Congress, the executive branch required.
• Experience in working with key congressional Committees and their staff.
• Experience working with the executive branch and key officials at relevant federal agencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the university and federal education, research, healthcare and public service programs.
• Demonstrated exceptional acumen and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel in the federal government, including Congress and the executive branch who are in positions of influence on issues of importance to the University.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze national trends, issues and policy developments that could impact the university as well as proven success in developing and implementing strategic communications and advocacy plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to be a clear, creative, and critical thinker and writer in a busy office environment.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to quickly research and collect pertinent information from a variety of sources.
• Ability to integrate essential information and use that information to define and validate options and alternatives.
• Ability to develop recommendations and justification for the most productive course of action.
• Excellent verbal and presentation skills; ability to articulate ideas and issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, coordinate with, and work effectively in a team-oriented environment on strategy and projects, seeking information from multiple sources and collaborating with multiple constituents to achieve an accurate and comprehensive perspective.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the university, including short and long-range strategic plans, vision, goals, objectives, infrastructure, programs, achievements, and awards; advanced knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in political science, public relations and/or public policy fields.

Job Title
Federal Government Relations Manager 2

Job Code
000267

Salary Grade
Grade 28

Payscale:
$205,000 - $230,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is January 10, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCO

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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