Logo
Tulane University

Federal Government Relations Director

Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70123

Save Job

Overview Summary

Serves as Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on federal issues, advancing the university’s legislative, regulatory, and funding priorities in Washington, D.C. Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, the Senior Specialist builds and strengthens relationships with members of Congress, federal agencies, and national associations to ensure Tulane’s interests are effectively represented. The position develops and implements comprehensive federal engagement strategies, advises senior university leadership on policy developments and emerging opportunities, and coordinates advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s research, academic, and institutional goals. The position also manages the university’s federal consultants and external government relations resources, ensuring their work aligns with institutional strategies and delivers measurable value. This position requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters. Regular travel to Washington, D.C. and occasional evening or weekend work are required.

Responsibilities

Serve as Tulane University’s lead representative and advocate on federal issues, advancing the university’s priorities in Washington, D.C.

Develop and implement comprehensive federal engagement strategies; advise senior university leadership on policy developments and emerging opportunities.

Coordinate advocacy efforts that support Tulane’s research, academic, and institutional goals.

Manage the university’s federal consultants and external government relations resources; ensure alignment with institutional strategies and measurable value.

Exercise sound judgment, strategic thinking, and discretion in managing high-level interactions and sensitive policy matters.

Maintain regular travel to Washington, D.C. and accommodate occasional evening or weekend work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with strong attention to detail (writing samples required).

Strong relationships with current and former federal policy makers and elected officials in the Executive and Legislative branches with Louisiana ties.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and opinion leaders.

Strategic thinker with strengths in problem solving, consensus building, and working quickly, accurately, and independently under tight deadlines.

Proactive, positive, and intellectually curious, with the ability to build trust and cultivate broad professional networks.

Ability to travel to Washington, D.C. as needed.

Familiarity with higher education systems and issues.

High degree of discretion and ethical standards.

Required Education And/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.

5+ years of experience working in or around the federal government with demonstrated knowledge of the legislative and executive branches and an understanding of public policy processes.

Demonstrated understanding of the higher education and research environment, including issues related to federal funding, regulation, and institutional operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree

Specific experience working with federal officials with ties to Louisiana

Commitment to the values of higher education and institutional neutrality

#J-18808-Ljbffr