Associate Director – Federal Affairs

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Support the University’s activities to engage with the federal government on issues related to research, education, and service .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $104,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in legislative analysis and strategic advocacy within higher education, effectively engaging with federal government entities and key stakeholders. Proficient in drafting communications and facilitating events that align with institutional priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Legislative AnalysisStrategic AdvocacyHigher Education IssuesGovernment Relations ExperienceCapitol Hill Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legislation ReviewPolicy AnalysisCommunication DraftingReport WritingEvent Facilitation

Soft Skills

CollaborationStakeholder EngagementInterpersonal Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Federal Government EngagementPublic OfficialsAdvocacy DaysCampus VisitsRoundtables

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the University’s activities to engage with the federal government on issues related to research, education, and service
Review and analyze legislation, policy, and political developments
Draft communications, talking points, reports, and briefing materials
Support the University’s engagement with key audiences and organizations
Collaborate with University stakeholders to facilitate events involving public officials, including campus visits, roundtables, and advocacy days
Support faculty, students, senior administrators, and staff in engagements with public officials
Ensure alignment with institutional priorities and strategies
Report to the Assistant Vice President of Federal Affairs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
3 to 5 years of legislative and/or strategic advocacy experience in a government role or government relations experience in a private-sector organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrable knowledge of higher education issues
Capitol Hill experience preferred
Based in Philadelphia or Washington DC
Frequent travel between Philadelphia and Washington, DC, and periodic travel to other locations
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness or injury, and family time
Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Free and discounted admission and memberships at Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Discounts on transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household