Job Postings enable you to post your own job and find other job listings offered by APLU members. This service is free for APLU members. For more information, email info@aplu.org. Title: Director, Congressional & Governmental Affairs, Agriculture & International DevelopmentPrimarySupervisor: Vice President, Congressional & Governmental AffairsStatus: Full-Time; ExemptLocation: Washington, DC Summary The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), a research, policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities is seeking a highly skilled Director of Congressional & Governmental Affairs, Agriculture and International Development. The position will work within the Offices of Congressional & Governmental Affairs, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and International Programs. The Director will be responsible for advancing the association's priorities to enhance higher education's role in agricultural development, both domestically and globally, through the annual budget and appropriations process, appropriate authorization legislation, and with key agencies such as USDA and USAID. The position requires outreach and coordination with key leaders of APLU member universities such as the international affairs officers in the Commission on International Initiatives (CII), the Deans of Colleges of Agriculture and other Administrative Heads within the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA), and government relations representatives through the Council on Governmental Affairs (CGA). The international-focused part of the portfolio also extends beyond agriculture to include the role of higher education in international development more broadly. Successful candidates will be energetic team players as well as self-starters, have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be detail-oriented and be able to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. A deep interest in the nuances of public policy and commitment to the values and mission of public universities, particularly in the areas of agriculture and international development are a must. This full-time position will be based in Washington, DC. For more information, please consult www.aplu.org. Background APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities. With a membership of 241 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. Annually, member campuses enroll 4.9 million undergraduates and 1.3 million graduate students, award 1.3 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $44.9 billion in university-based research. APLU's Office of Congressional & Governmental Affairs leads the association's engagement with Congress and the administration to advance policy that furthers the ability of public universities to impact society through their education, research and community engagement missions. APLU's Office of International Programs develops and implements a comprehensive international affairs agenda for senior leadership at public research universities in order to integrate international dimensions into public universities' learning, discovery, and engagement missions. Through its International Advocacy Coordinating Committee, APLU members develop and lead the advocacy agenda on Capitol Hill on international issues of interest to public universities. APLU's Office of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources focuses on broad cross-cutting issues related to agriculture, food and fiber, forestry, human sciences, natural resources (ecology, fish and wildlife, forestry, mineral resources and water resources), oceans and atmosphere, and veterinary medicine. Responsibilities Develop and implement a proactive federal relations strategy to advance APLU's policy positions in agriculture, working directly with the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) Policy Board of Directors, Commission on Food, Environment and Renewable Resources (CFERR) leadership, and CGA. Advocate for increased federal funding on appropriations priorities, engage in Farm Bill and other authorization legislation advocacy, and work on implementation of Farm Bill initiatives as well as other relevant opportunities with federal agencies. Develop and implement a proactive federal relations strategy to advance APLU's policy positions in international development, such as partnerships between US and developing nation universities (in all sectors, not just agriculture), Feed the Future Innovation Laboratories, and other opportunities to harness the strengths of APLU institutions to contribute globally. The Director will also work on relevant authorization legislation such as the Global Food Security Act. Represent APLU to members of Congress and representatives of relevant agencies, including USDA and USAID, on policy and funding issues that affect public research universities. Engage with partner organizations and coalitions by regularly participating in external meetings and identifying opportunities for collaboration and shared advocacy on issues related to higher education policy. Develop policy papers and contribute regular news and analysis on policy issues for CFERR, CGA, and CII. Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. At least eight years of progressively responsible senior-level experience on Capitol Hill, relevant federal agencies, or in positions focused primarily on government affairs, preferably in areas related to higher education policy. Possess specialized knowledge and demonstrated content expertise on areas related to agriculture and international development issues. Experience, ability and desire to interface with high-level university and policy leaders. Excellent written and oral communication skills; exceptional presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to provide strategic direction and leadership to multiple constituencies Exceptional organizational skills; detail-oriented; able to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Strong commitment to advancing higher education initiatives. Ability to travel domestically as needed. To Apply Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU's Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: Director, Gov. Affairs (A & ID). Applications will be reviewed as received with preference given to those received prior to September 13. The position will remain posted until filled. Salary will be commensurate with experience. APLU provides a generous benefits package.