Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy

About AAU

Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU helps shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation, promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society. 

The Opportunity

AAU is excited to announce an opening for an Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy (AVP). Reporting to the Deputy VP and Counsel for Government Relations and Public Policy (GRPP), this position will lead AAU’s advocacy and policy work related to federal higher education legislation, regulations, and funding. The AVP’s portfolio includes student financial aid and affordability, accountability and accreditation, Title IV, VI, IX issues, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The AVP will develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and serve as the association’s primary liaison on related issues with Congress and federal agencies, and specifically the Department of Education.

This role requires strong policy analysis and writing skills, deep expertise in the federal legislative process, and a strong ability to build and maintain relationships across the political spectrum. The AVP will regularly engage with Congress, including key committees such as Education and the Workforce; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Appropriations; Ways and Means; and Finance, as well as with the Departments of Education and other executive branch entities. The AVP will also collaborate closely with AAU member institutions, peer higher education associations, student groups, and other higher education organizations and coalition partners. Through this work, the AVP will advance AAU’s mission and policy goals, while keeping members informed and engaged on issues of strategic importance to research universities, their students, and the broader higher education community.

To read a more detailed list of job duties for this role, please see here: Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy - Washington, DC - Association of American Universities Jobs

This position operates primarily out of AAU’s DC office. After completing 90 days of employment, this position is eligible for a hybrid work environment that requires being in the office at least 3 days per week. This position is classified as salaried and exempt.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• By the date of hire, applicants must reside within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in political science, public policy, public administration, or other related major.
• 10+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs, with a focus on policy issues impacting higher education, preferably within Congress, the executive branch and/working for a higher education or nonprofit institution or organization.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, including experience working with or within Congress and federal agencies with particular focus on the Department of Education
• Strong analytical, writing and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to analyze, compare and craft legislative proposals and to develop and implement advocacy strategies across complex issue areas.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise policy briefs, talking points, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with campus based institutional leaders, and in particular campus based federal relations officers, to help to determine and set AAU higher education priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships across political lines and with a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers and member institution leaders.
• High degree of professionalism, political acumen, and discretion in handling sensitive policy issues and stakeholder interactions.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, provide leadership on GRPP issues, and collaborate effectively within the AAU team.
• Ability to foster teamwork, cooperation, respect, diversity, and promote productive communication.
• Adherence to AAU’s policies and procedures, maintaining integrity, punctuality, and ensuring coverage of responsibilities when absent.
• Proficiency in Office365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in non-profit, association, higher education, and/or university campus setting.
• Experience working with Zoom, Salesforce Marketing Cloud (or Pardot), and an advocacy or federal relations monitoring tool, such as BGov.
• Knowledge of digital media, including web management, content management systems, and mass email systems.

Compensation

The total compensation package for this role includes:

• A base annual salary ranging from $165,000 - $175,000 (commensurate with experience).
• A robust benefits and perks package, including fully employer-funded medical and dental insurance premiums for employees, their spouse, and qualified dependents; an employer-funded 403(b) retirement account contribution valued at 10% of employee’s yearly salary with full vestment after one year; a monthly commuter stipend; generous leave options, and more.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications at https://aau.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. Applications will be accepted through June 25, 2025. After this date, the search team will begin reviewing submissions and contacting candidates. Complete applications include a resume and cover letter detailing how your background aligns with the role.

Applications without all requested materials and information will not be considered.

Qualified individuals with a disability will be provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application process. Please contact us at jobs@aau.edu or call 202-898-7841 to request accommodation.

AAU is committed to a work environment that is inclusive and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status, homeless status, or any other factors prohibited by federal, state, and local law.