DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE AFFAIRS

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California's Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UC FGR) is located at the UC Washington Center in Washington, DC. As the largest public research institution in the world, the university engages in numerous partnerships with federal education, health care and research agencies. Working with Congress, the administration, federal agencies and national organizations, UC FGR advocates for the university and its policy and fiscal priorities in education, research, healthcare and public service.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position has responsibility within the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) for federal governmental relations higher education and research-related business and finance issues, including, but not limited to, issues pertaining to labor relations, tax, contractor management, capital assets and infrastructure, economic development and intellectual property, and student athletics. As a member of the UC Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UC FGR), the Director of Federal Business and Finance Affairs provides support to the university in meeting federal relations objectives and priorities and may be assigned additional issue areas by the Associate Vice President for Federal Governmental Relations. This position has significant policy and fiscal implications for the University of California system.

Responsibilities

• 50% Advocacy: Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President for Federal Governmental Relations, the Director serves as one of the university's primary advocates in Washington and advocates on higher education and research-related business and finance issues, including labor relations, tax, contractor management, capital assets and infrastructure, economic development and intellectual property, and student athletics. In this role, the Director has direct contact with members of Congress, congressional committees and staff, executive branch representatives and agency officials, university leadership and higher education representatives from peer institutions and higher education associations. The Director identifies, analyzes, monitors and advocates on congressional, executive branch and federal agency activity related higher education and research-related business and finance issues. The director regularly reports on those activities to UC FGR, UCOP, the campuses, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and UC-affiliated National Labs, including senior university leadership and stakeholders; guides the development of policy positions and priorities for the university; and develops and implements legislative strategies and plans.

The Director works with advocates, stakeholders and staff from other universities, advocacy organizations, higher education associations, scientific societies, Capitol Hill, UCOP and campuses to build legislative coalitions and provide legislative strategy and counsel on issues. The Director drafts congressional testimony and proposals for authorizing and appropriations legislation. The Director arranges for witnesses at hearings, assists and participates in preparations for congressional meetings and hearings and represents the university at meetings and conferences with federal and advocacy stakeholders. The Director works with congressional members and staff to develop legislation, provides technical assistance on legislative language and proposals, and coordinates the internal review of bills to assess their impact and the university's position. The Director provides assistance to UC leadership and visitors in Washington who seek meetings with congressional, agency, or association representatives. The Director consults, advises, and reports to university leadership, faculty, staff and other stakeholders on issues that may be considered by the executive or legislative branches of government. The Director works with congressional staff to provide support on programming to educate staff on issues important to UC.

• 40% Outreach and Engagement: The Director serves as a resource to and actively engages with federal agencies. The Director is responsible for tracking federal rules and regulations impacting relevant issue areas. The Director is responsible for coordinating and assisting in drafting comment letters in response to proposed regulations and notifying selected personnel in the university about proposed regulations or initiatives that may impact university policies, institutional management and operations, or funding levels at the UC.

This position coordinates bringing UC experts from throughout the university system to participate in Washington-based advocacy, including briefings and meetings. The Director coordinates UC briefings and programming focused on federal higher education and research-related business and finance issues including labor relations, tax, contractor management, capital assets and infrastructure, economic development and intellectual property, and student athletics. This position serves as one of the university's key representatives with national associations, professional societies, industry groups and DC-based California entities. This position serves in leadership positions within the national and federal higher education associations. The Director represents the university on relevant issues before other California-related interests in Washington, including California state and local government offices and California industry representatives.

• 5% The Director works with the UC Office of State Governmental Relations to maintain an awareness of key issues in California, especially those state legislative or administrative initiatives which impact their federal portfolio.
• 5% Works with key federal relations and university staff to develop communications tools and products to advance the university's advocacy goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' of increasingly responsible experience in governmental relations, advocacy or communications is required.
• Advanced knowledge of the legislative process, including procedures and the budget and appropriations processes.
• Knowledge of and/ or experience working with federal agencies, congressional offices and media or combination of education and experience.
• Using institutional knowledge and awareness of constituent issues, designs, develops and implements short and long-term strategic plans, governmental relations activities, programs and events.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with diverse groups of individuals.
• May oversee aspects of complex external relations programs, projects and events, including coordinating special programs and overseeing production of written or audio/ visual materials.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment with competing demands and strict deadlines.
• Ability to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and to address, resolve and / or mitigate problems or issues.
• Proven research skills to gather data for publications in a timely manner using traditional and electronic search methods, and to identify essential points verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced project management skills, including ability to plan and implement successful events.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred Qualifications

• A professional degree, law degree or graduate degree in government or public policy is highly desirable.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Federal Government Relations Profl 5

Job Code
000269

Salary Grade
Grade 28

Payscale:
$185,000 - $204,700, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is September 5, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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