Director of Federal Relations

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Five (5) years of full-time demonstrated experience in federal relations or working for a federal elected official. Experience working with federal appropriations and research funding. Experience with federal legislative and regulatory procedures. Policy analysis experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Additional years (6+) of full-time experience in federal relations or working for a federal elected official. Experience working with higher education, research, healthcare, or public service.

Brief Description of Duties:
The Director of Federal Relations, reports to the Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations and is a member of the Office of Federal Relations in the Department of Government & Community Relations position is based in Washington, DC, and travels regularly to campus. The Director acts as an ambassador and the face of Stony Brook University in Washington, DC, and advocates for federal policies that advance Stony Brook's central missions of teaching, research, quality health care, and public service. The incumbent must understand federal policies affecting universities and be able to assess the potential effect of policy proposals on the university's pursuit of its mission. In addition to having expertise in federal research funding, the Director must be able to gain functional expertise in a broad range of issues affecting universities, such as student financial aid, immigration, and health care. A thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory procedures is essential for this position. The Director must be proactive in informing offices in Congress and the Executive branch about Stony Brook's policies and initiatives and the contributions of Stony Brook to New York and the nation. Excellent organizational and communication skills, including both traditional and social media, are essential for this role. The incumbent should be energetic and work collaboratively with colleagues within Stony Brook, other universities, and higher education associations and have the ability to work independently.

• Determine, formulate, and administer management policies and practices for programs and activities in the Office of Federal Relations ensuring alignment with the University's goals and compliance with relevant regulations. The Director collaborates with senior leadership to design and implement effective strategies that support the University's goals. Additionally, the Director actively participates in the development of University-wide strategic initiatives to shape long-term planning and policy decisions that advance the University's mission and objectives.
• Oversees strategic engagement with New York delegation congressional offices, federal agency staff, the Executive Branch, and DC-based alumni to strengthen relationships, advocate for institutional priorities, address critical issues, and elevate the profile and professional representation of Stony Brook University at the federal level. Oversees the analysis and monitoring of current and emerging issues within identified portfolios, providing strategic insights and guidance to inform institutional priorities and decision-making. Directs policy analysis and develops strategic recommendations to shape the university's positions on policy proposals, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and advocating effectively for its interests. Develops, leads, and oversees the implementation of advocacy strategies within the identified portfolio to influence the outcome of legislative and regulatory proposals, ensuring alignment with the University's strategic objectives and priorities. Collaborates with colleagues in peer institutions and higher education associations to exchange insights, build consensus on shared positions, and spearhead coordinated advocacy strategies that advance collective goals within the higher education sector. Drives collaboration with the AVP for Federal Relations and the Office of the Vice President for Research to lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategies for securing appropriations funding, aligning efforts with institutional priorities and research initiatives.
• Oversight of all logistics for visits by elected officials, members of the Executive branch, agency leadership, and staff ensuring seamless execution of meetings, tours, and events at these interactions are strategically planned to advance the University's objectives and strengthen relationships with key policymakers. This includes overseeing events and advocacy visits for Stony Brook leadership, faculty, and students in Washington, DC. Oversees the preparation and strategic development of reports, memos, and presentations on a variety of critical issues, including updates on key topics, briefing documents for elected officials, and talking points for senior leadership. The Director ensures these materials effectively support decision-making and advance the University's objectives. Establish and maintain good working relationships across the University and Hospital, including the Office deans and faculty within his or her portfolio. Leads efforts to guide University and Hospital stakeholders in interpreting and applying new policies and regulations, providing strategic direction and ensuring compliance while addressing institutional needs and objectives. Oversees the development and execution of high-impact advocacy strategies that drive the advancement of the university's core missions of teaching, research, and public service, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fostering meaningful external partnerships. Collaborate with the AVP for Federal Relations to inform offices in Congress and the Executive branch about the University and Hospital's policies and initiatives and the contributions of Stony Brook and Stony Brook Medicine to the country Provide strategic leadership for Stony Brook's Student Advocacy Corps program in collaboration with the AVP for Federal Relations.
• Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Special Notes:
This is a Management Confidential position. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

The primary work location for this position is in Washington, D.C.

This position may be eligible for alternative workplace arrangements/telework (remote or virtual).

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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