Associate Vice President of Federal Relations

The University of Minnesota (the University or UMN) – one of the most prestigious comprehensive, public land-grant research universities in the nation – seeks a strategic and experienced leader to serve as its Associate Vice President (AVP) of Federal Relations, based in Washington, D.C. The Associate Vice President will join the University at an exciting moment in time and will help shape its next chapter. Under the leadership of University President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, a new strategic plan was recently launched, titled Elevate Extraordinary 2030. The University is poised to deepen its commitment to research, teaching, and service, open access to opportunity, and advance innovation in support of its land-grant mission and further expand its impact nationally and internationally.

This is a unique opportunity to build and shape the federal relations function for one of the nation's leading public research universities. With more than $1.4 billion in annual research expenditures, five campuses serving 68,000 students, and a broad portfolio spanning health sciences, agriculture, engineering, energy, workforce development, and public health, the University offers a powerful platform for federal engagement and impact.

Reporting to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations, this senior-level position leads the University's federal advocacy agenda and provides strategic counsel on federal issues affecting higher education and research. The Associate Vice President will advance institutional priorities in Washington, build and maintain key relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and help position the University as a national leader in research, education, and public service.

As a newly created leadership role within the Office of Government and Community Relations, the Associate Vice President will have a unique opportunity to build the University's federal engagement strategy and presence in Washington. The AVP will establish priorities, strengthen coordination across the institution, and help define how one of the nation's leading public research universities advances its interests with the federal government for years to come.

The successful candidate is an experienced federal relations professional with a demonstrated ability to advance organizational priorities in Washington. While experience in higher education is valuable, the University welcomes candidates from other complex, research-intensive and mission-driven environments, including healthcare systems, academic medical centers, research institutes, scientific organizations, federal agencies, associations, and related organizations, where they have built successful careers in federal relations, government affairs, public policy, or advocacy.

TO APPLY

The University of Minnesota has retained Isaacson, Miller, a leading national search firm, to assist with this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed below.

Jeff Kessner and Ivan Ceballos are leading this search with Alexis Scott.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu