Visiting Federal Relations Specialist

Ofc of Governmental Relations

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Posting Category:

Provide logistical, administrative, research and other support to the Assistant Vice President and the Director of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C. This position is in person in Washington, D.C. 4-5 days per week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as integral member of the External Relations and Communications' federal relations ("ERC-Federal Relations") team, based in Washington, DC. Organize and provide support for Capitol Hill and agency meetings for visiting University of Illinois System ("System") leaders and faculty.
2. Take lead in organizing annual System fly-in day in DC, annual President's Executive Leadership Program visit to DC, and other events.
3. Observe/attend congressional hearings, briefings and other public events relevant to the System. Represent the System in congressional, agency, association or other meetings, as needed.
4. Monitor congressional activities, particularly relating to Illinois members, cultivate relationships with Illinois congressional staff, and engage with U of I alums and student interns in DC.
5. Draft and update briefing materials and background for use by ERC-Federal Relations and other System employees. Draft congressional correspondence, such as thank you letters. Review and edit documents for content, accuracy and format.
6. Assist in managing office website and social media account, including by ensuring timely and pertinent content. Assist in drafting office newsletters.
7. Respond to inquiries from System personnel and congressional offices regarding legislative and policy issues. Perform research assignments.
8. Serve as DC office manager. Serve as ERC-Federal Relations point of contact by screening inquiries and providing relevant information, or routing to the appropriate individual.
9. Provide back-up assistance with scheduling ERC-Federal Relations travel and submitting reimbursements. Ensure all necessary documentation is submitted and expenditures are tracked appropriately.
10. Oversee and ensure timely and accurate preparation of required lobby disclosure reports. Assist with development of annual appropriations requests.
11. Regularly input congressional engagement in Quorum CRM database and serve as project organizer in Asana (online work management platform).
12. Perform other duties, as assigned, appropriate for a Vst. Federal Relations Specialist.

Required:
1. Ability to work independently and proactively, and to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments.
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that reflect courtesy, discretion, and a collaborative approach in order to develop and maintain effective work relationships and to effectively interact with legislative and System staff.
3. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
4. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex issues.
5. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines while staying on task with daily assignments.
6. Ability to handle sensitive internal information regarding University operations and procedures appropriately.
7. Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and basic website management and social media skills.

Strongly Preferred:
1. Minimum of one year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities.
2. Connections to the University of Illinois System
3. Familiarity with the state of Illinois and the Illinois congressional delegation
4. Experience working on or with Capitol Hill.

Preferred:
1. Familiarity with federal issues and policies affecting research universities

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 1/26/2026. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000.00 - 69,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 12/14/2025.