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Job Description

**We have an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant to the Director to serve as the first point-of-contact in the DC-based Office of Federal Relations for information about the University of Washington, as well as act as an integral research resource for the Director and Assistant Director.** This position experiences daily contact between the UW community and the federal establishment, including Congressional offices, the Administration, federal agency officials, and higher education professional organizations located in DC, and must be familiar with university programs and priorities, current federal issues, key federal figures, and higher education issues and priorities.

Position Complexities

The Assistant to the Director must be self-motivated; able to exercise independent judgment, decision making, and confidentiality; all with limited supervision as the Director and Assistant Director are often out of the office on travel or at meetings in the DC area. This position must maintain DC-based schedules for multiple entities, including the Director, Assistant Director, University President, Provost, other executive-level members of the university community, and visiting faculty and staff, as well as maintain a bi-coastal schedule for the Director and Assistant Director when they travel between DC and Seattle. This scheduling requires high-level knowledge of and adaptability to different time zones (typically between Pacific and Eastern time zones).

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:

The Office of Federal Relations is a small office located near the U.S. Capitol and Union Station in Washington, DC. It is a fast-paced environment that must respond to competing demands from campus (in Seattle), Congressional offices, and federal agencies. Competitive candidates will possess demonstrated initiative and use of sound judgment. Inherent to success in this position is the proven ability to be flexible, maintain a positive outlook and calm demeanor, and to work independently, especially during times when the Director and Associate Director are away from the office for frequent meetings or travel.

The Assistant to the Director manages the day-to-day basic to complex administrative functions of the office and provides legislative and research support to the Director and Assistant Director. Responsibilities include complex scheduling, answering phones, processing invoices and bills, completing travel documents, ordering office supplies, computer support, word processing, drafting and formatting correspondence and communications documents, and performing basic legislative analysis and research. This position is an important member of the Office of Federal Relations team by providing support for the overall government relations effort on behalf of the university.

Responsibilities:

30% Scheduling/Maintaining Calendars: Schedule meetings within a complex set of competing time zones using independent and informed judgment. Maintain Director's calendar and schedule meetings on campus and in DC for the Director and Assistant Director. Schedule meetings in DC with Congressional offices, federal agency officials, and other higher education organizations for visiting UW leadership, faculty, and staff as requested.

30% Government Relations Support: Assist the Director and Assistant Director with lobbying activities. Research federal issues, track legislation, monitor hearings and other briefings, maintain list of priority bills, draft briefing materials, and prepare lobbying packets. Develop content and assist with populating the Office of Federal Relations web page. Prepare quarterly and annual lobbying reports, and ensure compliance with the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act. Periodically arrange for Congressional briefings on university priorities, receptions, and other similar events. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with congressional staff (predominately schedulers) and UW administrative staff.

30% Office Management: Answer phones, process bills, complete travel documents and reimbursements for Director and Assistant Director, maintain office supplies, some computer support, word processing, drafting correspondence, and maintaining files. Ensure adherence to UW standards, procedures, and policies to include proper archiving of documents, inventorying of equipment, reporting financial information, etc.

10% Professional Interactions: As necessary, interact with governmental and university officials (Members of Congress and their staff, agency and White House officials, university faculty and staff, and the media) to field inquiries and provide status reports. Maintain professional demeaner and discretion.

Requirements:

+ Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications, or related field.

+ Two or more years' experience working in a professional office, preferably in public affairs, government relations, or legislative environment.

+ Must have an understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes

+ Proficient with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel). Knowledge of electronic forms of communication, including social media, excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are a must as is the ability to work under the pressure of extreme deadlines with little or no support.

Desired:

+ Experience interning or working for a member of congress, congressional committee, or federal agency.

+ Knowledge of issues affecting academic research and/or public universities.

+ Knowledge of Washington state geography and public policy issues.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$60,324.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$67,200.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.