Government Relations Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

The American Council on Education (ACE) is seeking a Government Relations Associate in the Division of Government Relations and National Engagement (DGRNE).

ACE is a higher education, non-profit organization with almost 1,700 member institutions and educational organizations. ACE’s mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice on key higher education issues through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. ACE programs include several leadership programs for college and university administrators and faculty.

The Government Relations Associate is a key contributor to an evolving policy portfolio within ACE's DGRNE. The Government Relations Associate will join a dynamic team that advocates on, and influences, national policy on higher education and federal issues impacting member institutions. The Government Relations Associate works under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, in close coordination with the DGRNE Senior Vice President, DGRNE team, and independently to ongoing advocacy work by ACE.

Essential Job Duties or Tasks:

• Provide support for the Government Relations team’s efforts to shape federal policy on a range of issues impacting higher education, including supporting the team’s advocacy efforts.
• Assist senior Government Relations staff in their legislative and executive lobbying work.
• Represent ACE in meetings, hearings, and public events as needed. This includes meetings with Congressional staff, Administration staff, college and university leaders, association and think tank staff, and other stakeholders.
• Independently and in coordination with senior Government Relations staff manage ACE’s work leading external coalitions.
• Monitor developments in Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures, including the introduction of bills and amendments, hearings, rulemakings, and grant opportunities.
• Prepare summaries and briefings that can be shared with a range of external audiences, as well as contribute to the production of advocacy materials to be used by the DGR staff. Assist in the preparation and distribution of community letters and statements.
• Coordinate the efforts of the GR team with ACE's Public Affairs team as well as other units within the organization to advance ACE's broader goals and support the organization’s mission.
• Respond to time-sensitive inquiries from stakeholders such as member institutions, media, and legislative staff.
• Maintain and update databases and other resources in support of ACE's advocacy work.
• Assist the GR team in scheduling appointments and in preparing presentations, speeches, meetings, and other public events.

Education/Experience/Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three or more years of previous employment experience in advocacy and policy research and analysis. An advanced degree may be substituted for some work experience.
• Experience with postsecondary datasets and tools.

Strongly Preferred:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in higher education, education policy, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience with postsecondary education policy.
• Ability to listen critically, ask questions, and transform ideas into action steps.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to present publicly on issues of importance to the organization.
• Experience contributing to a team.
• Experience interfacing and communicating with policy and institutional audiences.
• Evidence of strong writing, communication, and time management skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

This is an onsite role based in Washington DC, with the option to work remotely one day per week in coordination with the team. 35 hours per week.