Job Description

Director of Federal Relations

VP for External Affairs, Rose Hill

Fordham University

 

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City.  Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for External Affairs, the Director of Federal Relations leads Fordham University’s engagement with federal government officials and agencies on policy, legislative, and budgetary matters. This role develops and implements the University’s strategic agenda with the White House, Congress, federal agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The Director enhances Fordham’s visibility and influence with federal decision-makers to advance the University’s mission.

 

This is a remote position based in Washington, D.C. and requires travel to Fordham’s NYC campuses and occasional travel to nearby locations.

 

Essential Functions        

• Manages and strengthens Fordham’s relationships with elected and appointed federal officials and agencies.
• Monitors federal legislation, rules, and regulations impacting Fordham and its constituencies, developing institutional responses and assisting in University-approved legislative initiatives and appropriation requests.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive lobbying and advocacy strategy, including identifying and pursuing federal research funding opportunities in collaboration with campus colleagues.
• Provides strategic guidance, training, and support to the President, leadership, and campus colleagues for interactions with decision-makers.
• Collaborates with campus colleagues to identify Washington, D.C.-based opportunities to advance Fordham’s mission, such as speaking engagements, sponsored events, industry partnerships, and shared advocacy initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with all required disclosures on behalf of the University and its employees.
• Contributes to the development of University positions on policy and fiscal objectives.
• Analyzes federal executive budget submissions to assess potential institutional fiscal and programmatic impacts.
• Identifies and pursues federal research funding opportunities with relevant agencies, partnering with Sponsored Research.

 

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

 

Additional Functions      

• Collaborates with associations such as NAICU, AJCU, ACCU, ACE, and other relevant organizations.
• Supports the planning and coordination of events with Fordham alumni working in the federal government.
• Represents the University on public policy issues at meetings and conventions.
• Works with non-profit associations to develop and implement legislative advocacy positions.
• Responds to inquiries and requests for assistance on federal issues, legislation, and regulations.
• Prepares position memos, testimony, and other materials as needed.

 

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience        

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of six (6) years’ executive and/or legislative experience as a staffer and/or lobbyist, and not subject to any kind of lobbying ban.

 

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills     

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing grassroots mobilization and advocacy campaigns.
• Deep understanding of policy development, with strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Significant experience working with government and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of federal appropriations processes.
• Excellent management, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in coalition building.
• Familiarity with utilizing social media, traditional media, and other tactics in advocacy strategies.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a high-level, high-profile environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Extensive relationships with federal decision-makers and advanced understanding of the legislative, budgetary, rule-making, and research allocation processes.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of higher education policy and practices.

 

Minimum Starting Salary: $150,000

 

Maximum Starting Salary: $185,000

 

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

         

START DATE: ASAP

 

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/8913

 

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools.  It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

 

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

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