Req #: 230337

　　Department: OFFICE OF FEDERAL RELATIONS [Washington, DC]

　　Job Location Detail: Washington, DC; open to hybrid work schedule (combination in-office + remote)

　　Posting Date: 01/19/2024

　　Closing Info: Open Until Filled

　　Salary: $4,800 - $5,500 per month

　　Shift: First Shift

　　Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230119_a11y.pdf)

　　As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

　　UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

　　As one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Washington is proud to be a long-term partner with the federal government on a host of programs and initiatives to improve society.

　　Located steps from the U.S. Capitol at the Hall of the States, the Office of Federal Relations represents the University of Washington to both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, participating on behalf of UW in a variety of national forums and advocating for UW priorities. The office also serves as a portal for the federal government and national organizations to the UW and as an access point for UW leadership and staff to our nation’s capital. Through regular reports and visits with campus personnel, Federal Relations staff provide timely information about national trends, opportunities and policy developments.

　　We have an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant to the Director to serve as the first point of contact in the DC-based Office of Federal Relations for information about the University of Washington, as well as acts as an integral research resource for the Director and Assistant Director. This position experiences daily contact between the UW community and the federal establishment, including Congressional offices, the Administration, federal agency officials, and higher education professional organizations located in DC, and must be familiar with university programs and priorities, current federal issues, key federal figures, and higher education issues and priorities.

　　The Assistant to the Director must be self-motivated; able to exercise independent judgment, decision making, and confidentiality; all with limited supervision as the Director and Assistant Director are often out of the office on travel or at meetings in the DC area. This position must maintain DC-based schedules for multiple entities, including the Director, Assistant Director, University President, Provost, other executive-level members of the university community, and visiting faculty and staff, as well as maintain a bi-coastal schedule for the Director and Assistant Director when they travel between DC and Seattle. This scheduling requires high-level knowledge of and adaptability to different time zones (typically between Pacific and Eastern time zones).

　　Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:

　　The Office of Federal Relations is a small office located near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, DC. It is a fast-paced environment that must respond to competing demands from campus (in Seattle), Congressional offices, and federal agencies. Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated initiative and use of sound judgment. Inherent to success in this position is the proven ability to be flexible, maintain a positive outlook and calm demeanor, and to work independently, especially during times when the Director and Associate Director are away from the office for frequent meetings or travel.

　　The Assistant to the Director manages the day-to-day basic to complex administrative functions of the office and provides legislative and research support to the Director and Assistant Director. Responsibilities include complex scheduling, answering phones, processing invoices and bills, completing travel documents, ordering office supplies, computer support, word processing, drafting and formatting correspondence and communications documents, and performing basic legislative analysis and research. This position is an important member of the Office of Federal Relations team by providing support for the overall government relations effort on behalf of the university.

　　Responsibilities:

　　30% Scheduling/Maintaining Calendars: Schedule meetings within a complex set of competing time zones using independent and informed judgment. Maintain Director's calendar and schedule meetings on campus and in DC for the Director and Assistant Director. Schedule meetings in DC with Congressional offices, federal agency officials, and other higher education organizations for visiting UW leadership, faculty, and staff as requested.

　　30% Government Relations Support: Assist the Director and Assistant Director with lobbying activities. Research federal issues, track legislation, monitor hearings and other briefings, maintain list of priority bills, draft briefing materials, and prepare lobbying packets. Develop content and assist with populating the Office of Federal Relations web page. Prepare quarterly and annual lobbying reports and ensure compliance with the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act. Periodically arrange for Congressional briefings on university priorities, receptions, and other similar events. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with congressional staff (predominately schedulers) and UW administrative staff.

　　30% Office Management: Answer phones, process bills, complete travel documents and reimbursements for Director and Assistant Director, maintain office supplies, some computer support, word processing, drafting correspondence, and maintaining files. Ensure adherence to UW standards, procedures, and policies to include proper archiving of documents, inventorying of equipment, reporting financial information, etc.

　　10% Professional Interactions: As necessary, interact with governmental and university officials (Members of Congress and their staff, agency and White House officials, university faculty and staff, and the media) to field inquiries and provide status reports. Maintain professional demeaner and discretion.

　　Requirements include:

　　• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, or related field.• Two or more years of experience working in a professional office, preferably in public affairs, government relations, or legislative environment.• Must have an understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel).• Knowledge of electronic forms of communication, including social media• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are a must• Ability to work under the pressure of extreme deadlines with little or no support.

　　Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

　　Desired:

　　• Experience interning or working for a member of congress, congressional committee, or federal agency.• Knowledge of issues affecting academic research and/or public universities.• Knowledge of Washington state geography and public policy issues.

　　Application Process:

　　The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

　　University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.