DIRECTOR/VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS (DEMOCRATIC)

Type: Full Time
Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 (based on experience)
Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national association representing private, postsecondary career schools, representing a diverse mix of nearly 1,300 career college campuses and affiliate members in North America.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 or more years of Federal legislative branch experience, with a working knowledge of U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
• Established and strong relationships with key Democratic members of Congress and staff, especially those who are leaders on higher education issues. Prior service on one of the committees of jurisdiction is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including internal and external partners.
• Expert-level written and verbal communication skills.
• He/she must demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team player with demonstrated ability to think innovatively and achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to understand and effectively research necessary/required subjects.
• Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressure.
• Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Serving in the Office of Government Relations, this role will provide support to CECU’s government relations team on behalf of the sector and our members engaged in the delivery of postsecondary career education. The selected individual will serve as a senior member of our government relations team, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Government Relations. This role will primarily involve relationship building and advocacy on the Democratic side of the aisle on Capitol Hill.
The Director/Vice President’s responsibilities will include direct lobbying of members of Congress and staff and within the Executive Branch of the federal government. Other duties include assisting in the preparation of presentations and summaries of legislation and policy issues to members of the association; tracking the progress of key Federal issues including higher education, labor and job training, and veterans’ education; and assisting with the preparation of documents for hearings, briefings, and coalition activities.

The work includes, but is not limited to:

• Build and maintain external relationships to further the association’s reputation and continued political contacts; facilitate interactions between senior management, Congressional members and staff, as well as other external affiliates.
• Represent CECU in legislative engagement activities and political activities and events.
• Identify and track issues with potential impact on CECU member schools and work with external stakeholders.
• Research, analyze and prepare information and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of federal policy goals and reporting of the Federal Government Relations team to CECU leadership, where appropriate.
• Assist in the coordination of special events, meetings, and other communications with Senior Management, Congressional delegations, and staff, as well as other external affiliates.
• Advocate with government agencies on behalf of CECU members with specific institutional needs.
• Conduct meetings and regular updates with CECU members and policy makers in an exceptional, positive, clear manner. Schedule appointments, organize staff and coalition meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality at the highest levels and protect sensitive data at all times.
• Take personal initiative to prepare drafts of correspondence and other documents required on a timely basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and assure timely, accurate filings of compliance reports.
• Identify and track issues, work with key subject matter experts and external stakeholders.
• Represent the association at external events.
• Assist in the coordination of special events.
• Coordinate all Washington DC office administration.
• Maintain the Federal office budget.
• Assist in Federal PAC activity.