American Association of College Teachers

Government Relations Specialist—Washington, DC

The American Association of University Teachers (AAUP) seeks qualified candidates for a Government Relations Specialist position. This is an exciting opportunity at a difficult and critical time for the AAUP, in higher education, and in the labor movement. An ideal candidate combines knowledge of government relations with technical skills and expertise in using digital organizing and online engagement tools to effectively engage members in grassroots lobbying efforts. The successful candidate will play a significant role in developing and implementing the association’s government relations goals and will work cross-departmentally to achieve the association’s strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Conduct major legislative campaigns for AAUP, including joint campaigns of AAUP and our partner the American Federation of Teachers.

• Work with staff and members to incorporate federal legislative issues into the organization of campaigns at the target chapter level, and assist with these campaigns as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate federal higher education legislation and regulations and work with AAUP staff and leadership to formulate AAUP policy positions; notify leaders when we may want to issue a public statement on a federal GR topic.
• Staff the AAUP Government Relations Committee and help develop AAUP’s annual legislative agendas.
• Organize workshops on effective legislative strategy.
• Work in coalition with other unions and higher education advocacy organizations on issues of common concern. Advocate for AAUP principles and positions with coalition partners as appropriate. Make decisions about signing joint coalition letters in areas where we have a clear track record or position.
• Foster relationships with members of Congress and their staffs and with federal agencies to promote the principles of AAUP and advance the goals of the organization.
• Prepare position papers and other external communications on federal legislative policy.
• Draft updates on federal government relations issues for AAUP member communications.
• Advise the organization’s legislative positions to help foster racial equity in higher education.

· Monitor developments in the Department of Education and seek opportunities for us to comment or testify (then prepare comments and find/prepare members to testify).

• Other assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working in government relations for a labor, political or other non-profit organization. Experience with unions appreciated.
• Demonstrable work experience advocating for public policy affecting higher education at the state or federal level preferred.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing local legislative campaigns/lobbying efforts.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with organizational tools such as Action Network.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and individuals.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office.
• Associate’s degree required. BA or higher degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally and nationally.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Compensation

Salary scale: starting salary of $70,000 for minimum qualifications; higher salary for desired qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package including health insurance and 401(K).

Ranking of positions

The Government Relations Specialist position is categorized as a Senior Program Officer position. This position is designated as a Senior Program Officer in the Department of External Relations and is part of the staff union bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and not eligible for overtime pay.

To apply

To apply, send a resume with cover letter to [email protected] Please include “GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – YOUR NAME” in the email subject line. In addition to a cover letter and resume, please include:

• Links or examples of legislative campaign materials you have created.
• Drafting of samples (white paper, communications to members, etc.).

No phone calls please. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, registration, political affiliation, or other characteristics unrelated to job performance.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.