Director of Government Relations
Under the leadership of the Sr. Vice President for Policy and Government Relations (SVPPGR) in the development and advancement of HACU's legislative agenda with a focus on the U.S. House of Representatives. Collaborates with staff from the GR office in maintaining relations with Federal legislative and administrative offices and agencies in areas relating to Federal legislation and regulations, particularly with the House HSI Caucus. Assists in formulating and maintaining relationships with government offices and officials, education policy centers, Hispanic and other minority-focused organizations, and higher education associations to promote the advancement of Hispanic higher education. Although focused on the U.S. House of Representatives, the incumbent is expected to collaborate with other HACU policy and government relations staff, as well as in other areas of the organization. HACU values highly teamwork across offices and departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(Other duties may be assigned)
- Plan, organize, and coordinate HACU's legislative strategies and activities with the U.S. Congress and Federal agencies to advance HACU's corresponding goals and objectives.
- Coordinate communications and activities with the House HSI Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus leadership, membership, and staff to advance HACU’s legislative agenda with the U.S. Congress.
- Arrange and facilitate testimony, meetings, and other such contacts with members of Congress and senior Federal officials for HACU's President and Presidents/CEOs of HACU-member institutions.
- In collaboration with other Government Relations staff, establish and operate a HACU ad hoc committee of Federal liaison officers of HSIs in Washington D.C. and convene regular meetings of the Committee to coordinate and promote the HACU legislative agenda.
- Collaborate with other GR staff in tracking governmental policy development and implementation.
- Monitor and analyze legislative bills and proposals to ensure that the interests and needs of HACU-member institutions are appropriately and equitably represented.
- As appropriate, draft and prepare documents and correspondence related to government relations and legislation for the SVPPGR and/or the President of HACU.
- Represent HACU at meetings/conferences/symposiums and make presentations to groups as needed.
- Cooperate with other GR staff in the development and operations of the annual Capitol Forum.
- Team up with other GR staff in communicating with and engaging HSI presidents and other key institutional officials in interacting with Congress to promote and advocate the HACU Legislative Agenda and other bills and/or regulations that impact on HSIs and other HACU member post-secondary institutions
- Collaborate in the writing, publishing, and disseminating of legislative alert announcements, briefs, and newsletters for timely distribution to membership and other target groups as directed. This duty involves working with HACU’s communications and marketing, as well as information and policy analysis staff.
- Assist in maintaining, updating, and upgrading the www.hacuadvocates.net page.
- Assist senior management in other assignments or projects that may be assigned.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- A Master's degree in Public Administration, Higher Education, or related field with experience in Federal relations and policy analysis, preferably in higher education or education-related issues is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of issues impacting Hispanics in higher education, including familiarity with the processes of Federal legislation and appropriations.
- Experience in collaborating with legislative assistants and government regulation writers is desirable.