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Associate Director, Federal Relations, Washington, DC

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The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Government Relations (Community, State, Federal), Brand, News, Media Relations, and Strategic Communications. More than 70 University Relations staff collaborate with, provide support to, the colleges, schools and administrative units within the university. This includes promoting and raising the visibility of Cornell University to a wide variety of internal and external audiences in support of the university strategic priorities.

The Office of Federal Relations supports, develops and advances the division’s strategic priorities and elevate the profile and thought leadership of Cornell University, its faculty, and administrative leaders among policymakers and the media in Washington, DC.

Learn more about our organization and explore other opportunities on our careers page.

The Opportunity

The Associate Director for Federal Relations will work with the Senior Director of Federal Relations to represent Cornell University and further the university’s interests with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Contribute to establishing Cornell’s presence in Washington, DC on a wide variety of topics and issues of importance to Cornell and the higher education sector. Research, monitor, analyze and respond strategically to pending legislative and regulatory proposals that affect the higher education sector. Represent Cornell at meetings on Capitol Hill, at federal government agencies, with higher education associations, and other professional organizations and within coalitions. Assume responsibility for program initiatives in relevant issue areas. Inform, advise, strategize and guide Cornell audiences (senior staff, deans, directors, chairs, faculty, and administrators) on issues related to federal programs, policies, and initiatives that may affect or engage the university’s research, education, and outreach roles.

There will be periodic requirements for work during evening hours and on the weekends. Some travel is necessary.

This is a full-time hybrid position located in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will spend at least three days a week in the Washington, DC office. Fully remote work out of state or the region is not an option for this role.

Compensation: The position will be offered at between $126,000 - $142,000/annual and will be based on the final candidate’s skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited:

Act as advocate and lobbyist for university interests by strategizing, analyzing and responding to legislative and executive proposals that may affect Cornell University. Help develop and implement strategies to protect, advance and enhance Cornell’s reputation with policy makers at all levels. Anticipate and respond to emerging issues that impact the university and its education, research, and outreach missions.
Develop and maintain relationships with campus stakeholders at all levels to understand university priorities in relation to federal legislative, regulatory, and funding opportunities. Develop strategic relationships with federal officials, other campuses, NGOs, and other constituencies to represent Cornell’s interests to the federal legislative and executive branches of government.
Facilitate regular communication between Federal Relations Office and campus stakeholders.
Develop and maintain relationships, including leadership positions, in key higher education associations, professional societies, and other external partners

What You Need

Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of experience working on Capitol Hill or at a federal government agency, lobbying and/or working with government officials, or equivalent combination.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to engage, persuade and influence people at all levels.
A thorough understanding of the federal legislative, regulatory and/or investigative processes and experience working with federal officials.
Demonstrated success in legislative, regulatory or investigative activity, government or community relations and project management.
Individual must be highly motivated and must be able to utilize interpersonal skills to develop and foster successful relationships with government and university officials at all levels.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and strategic skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and exhibit sound judgment.
Must be highly effective at juggling multiple tasks and projects.
Proficient in use of current office computer technology and software programs.Some travel required.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
The successful candidate will be required to register as a federal lobbyist and will be responsible for personal compliance with federal lobbying laws and disclosure requirements.

Preferred:

Advanced degree preferred. Knowledge of higher education and research issues. Familiarity with New York Congressional delegation and/or Cornell University.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, vacation and paid holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is available for this position.

University Job Title:

Assoc Dir Govt Relations

Job Family:

Administration

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$111,517.00 - $136,299.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Brenda Joly

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

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Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEEO Statement:

Cornell University's history of diversity and inclusion encourages all students, faculty and staff to support a diverse and inclusive university in which to work, study, teach, research and serve. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified disabled individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act have rights in the application process and in employment under federal law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-04-01

Average salary estimate

$134000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$126000K

$142000K

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What You Should Know About Associate Director, Federal Relations, Washington, DC, Cornell

Join Cornell University as an Associate Director of Federal Relations in Washington, DC, where you’ll take on a pivotal role in advocating for educational interests at the federal level. In this dynamic position, you'll work closely with the Senior Director of Federal Relations to enhance Cornell's visibility and influence in legislative affairs, collaborating with a diverse team to represent the university’s strategic priorities. Think of yourself as a bridge, connecting Cornell's mission with policymakers and key stakeholders in the nation’s capital. Your expertise in analyzing pending legislative proposals will be vital as you monitor developments that impact education and research funding. Establishing relationships with federal officials and higher education associations will be a key part of your role, enabling you to effectively communicate Cornell's objectives. You'll guide various campus departments on federal programs and initiatives, ensuring that every voice at Cornell is heard in the policy-making process. It won't just be desk work—some evenings and weekends may demand your attention, and occasional travel is expected. With a starting salary between $126,000 and $142,000, this full-time, hybrid role promises a fulfilling and meaningful career at an institution that's recognized for its dedication to diversity, equity, and innovation. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are looking to make a difference at a nationally recognized university, Cornell University is where you want to be!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate Director, Federal Relations, Washington, DC Role at Cornell

What are the main responsibilities of the Associate Director, Federal Relations at Cornell University?

The Associate Director for Federal Relations at Cornell University is primarily responsible for advocacy on behalf of the institution before federal legislators and agencies. This role involves researching, monitoring, and strategically responding to legislative and regulatory proposals affecting higher education. You'll represent Cornell in meetings with policymakers, facilitate communications between the Federal Relations Office and campus stakeholders, and develop strategic partnerships with other organizations to amplify Cornell's interests.