How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan's Office of Federal Relation seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. 
 

Summary

The University of Michigan (U-M) seeks a talented and experienced professional to become a Federal Relations Manager in U-M's Office of Federal Relations, located in Washington, D.C. 
The U-M Office of Federal Relations advocates on behalf of the university's higher education and federal research interests. The Federal Relations Manager plays a supporting role in the office's collaborations with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government on matters relevant to the University, and working with higher education associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to promote federal policies that are aligned with U-M's mission and priorities, when appropriate. The Federal Relations Manager also monitors federal agency activities and national research priorities, attends hearings, and represents the university at meetings and briefings, as needed. This person also has responsibility for the social media functions of the office and coordinating weekly updates to campus, in addition to administrative tasks.
 

Responsibilities*

The Federal Relations Manager will:

• Manage the daily flow of operations for the U-M Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C. and provide administrative staff support for the Federal Relations leadership team with scheduling, travel, correspondence, briefings, and reports.
• Schedule appointments for University officials, faculty, staff, and some student organizations visiting D.C. on University business. 
• Help with the development and management of the Office's external partner relationships.
• Plan, manage and execute events, special meetings, briefings, receptions and other University activities related to the Office of Federal Relations; this includes, playing a key role in working with the U-M Washington Alumni Club to plan annual U-M Congressional Breakfast, among other signature events.
• Assist in researching issues, monitoring legislation and government activities related to higher education, preparing programmatic appropriations and legislative requests, and writing memorandums.
• Attend hearings and briefings as well as plan, publicize, and execute special projects and events,
• Coordinate compliance with federal lobbying law and gift rule reports, and monitor overall ethics compliance by the University and its representatives.
• Direct and oversee the coordination and execution of communication plans including social media strategy, website content, internal newsletter production and other informational materials needed to support the University's federal priorities.
• Act as a liaison between the federal government and the U-M community on immigration casework matters.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Required Qualifications*

• At least 2 years of experience working in government relations and/or a role related to public policy.
• Knowledge of the federal legislative process, including budget and appropriations.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using social media to strategically communicate and advance organizational goals.
• An interest in issues related to research and higher education.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and the Google Suite.
• Familiarity with Canva or other graphic design software.
• A willingness to learn new skills, show initiative, and take on new challenges.
• The ability to work well on a team and navigate relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization and contribute to an inclusive, welcoming, and collegial workplace.
   

Work Locations

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. with some travel to campus as well as various association meetings.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.