Job Description

DIRECTOR OF TAX, IMMIGRATION AND INNOVATION (Lobbyist)

Location: Washington D C

Job ID: 82343

Job Posting

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

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, health care and public service.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Federal Governmental Relations, the Director of Tax, Immigration and Innovation has primary responsibility within UC FGR for lobbying, subject matter expertise, analysis and political strategy in the areas related to tax, immigration, labor, economic development, intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialization, capital assets and infrastructure, contractor management and other issue areas as identified. The Director supports UC's broader federal relations objectives and priorities, coordinating across the system including with the Office of the President (UCOP), campuses, health centers, national laboratories and the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and with organizations and associations. The position requires detailed knowledge of the function, organization and procedures of the federal government. This is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 50% Advocacy: The Director serves as one of UC's primary federal lobbyists, advocating on issues affecting the system, including tax, immigration, labor, economic development, intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialization, capital assets and infrastructure, contractor management and other issue areas as identified. The Director engages directly with members of Congress, congressional committees and staff, executive branch officials, federal agencies and association partners, provides updates to UC FGR and UCOP, guides the development of UC's policy positions and priorities, and develops and implements legislative strategies and plans. The Director works closely with internal and external stakeholders to build legislative coalitions and provide legislative strategy on issues, drafts congressional testimony and questions, proposals for authorizing and appropriations legislation, prepares and participates in preparations for advocacy meetings and hearings, and represents the university at events with federal and advocacy stakeholders. The Director works with congressional offices to develop legislation and provides technical assistance on legislative language and proposal impacts and relays the university's position. The Director assists UC leadership and visitors in Washington, DC who seek meetings with congressional, agency, and/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.
• 40% Outreach and Engagement: The Director serves as the university's liaison with federal partners, both proactively and in response to outreach. The Director tracks federal rules and regulations that impact their portfolio and coordinates and assists in drafting federal comment letters, responses to requests for information and other correspondence. The Director also notifies university personnel about proposed regulations or initiatives that may impact university policies, institutional management trends, and funding levels. In coordination with systemwide colleagues, the Director brings UC experts to participate in Washington, DC-based advocacy, including briefings and meetings. The Director organizes and executes UC briefings and programming focused on their portfolio's issues. The position represents UC with national associations, professional societies, industry groups and DC-based California entities as aligned with the portfolio, and may serve in leadership positions with national and federal higher education associations.
• 5% State Governmental Relations Coordination: The Director works with the UC Office of State Governmental Relations to maintain awareness of key policy issues and legislative initiatives in California that intersect with or impact their portfolio.
• 5% Communications: Works with key federal relations and university staff to develop communications tools and products (e.g., talking points, fact sheets) to advance the university's federal advocacy goals and objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in government relations, public policy or advocacy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes (including procedure and the budget and appropriations process) and demonstrated experience engaging with or working for federal agencies or congressional offices.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and implement short and long-term strategic plans, governmental relations activities, programming and events.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, including the ability to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment with competing demands and strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to exercise sound political judgment, anticipate potential areas of concern, and address, resolve, or mitigate issues to advance and protect institutional priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with public higher education and its current issues and opportunities.
• Familiarity with the University of California system, including the UC Office of the President, and its mission, goals, structure, history and achievements.
• Advanced project management skills, including ability to plan and implement successful events.
• A professional degree, law degree or graduate degree in government or public policy is highly desirable.

EDUCATION

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

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

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 December 3, 2025.

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]]> <

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