Vice President – Federal Relations

Working at USC

. Develop and execute USC’s federal agenda, including legislative, policy, appropriations, funding, and regulatory priorities .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • United StatesLead💰 $300,000 - $325,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in federal relations, government affairs, and public policy, with a strong ability to build bipartisan relationships and influence stakeholders. Proven leadership in managing teams and coordinating federal strategies aligned with academic and research priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Federal Relations ManagementBipartisan Relationship BuildingLeadership and Team DevelopmentFederal Legislative KnowledgeProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Federal Legislative ProcessesAppropriations KnowledgeRegulatory ComplianceBudget ManagementPolicy Development

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsPolitical AcumenJudgment and DiscretionCredibility and Executive Presence

Certifications & Qualifications

Federal Lobbyist Registration

Industry Keywords

Government AffairsPublic PolicyHigher Education AdvocacyScientific Research FundingUniversity Relations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute USC’s federal agenda, including legislative, policy, appropriations, funding, and regulatory priorities
Advise senior leadership on the federal political, legislative, regulatory, and funding environment
Represent USC and build cross-partisan relationships with Congress, congressional committees, the White House, federal agencies, and other stakeholders
Advance USC priorities in higher education, scientific research, health, innovation, technology, appropriations, and related federal matters
Align federal advocacy with USC’s academic and research priorities
Coordinate federal strategy, priorities, and messaging across USC
Connect faculty, students, researchers, and senior leaders with policymakers through meetings, campus visits, briefings, testimony, and other engagements
Prepare and staff university leaders for federal engagements
Provide federal intelligence through briefings, written updates, and issue-specific alerts
Represent USC in the Association of American Universities Council on Federal Relations and other relevant associations
Lead, develop, and retain the federal relations team
Manage the federal relations budget, consultants, and vendors
Partner with the Executive Director of the USC Capital Campus on engagement and programming
Support the Trojan Congressional Caucus
Collaborate across USC’s government relations and University Relations teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal relations, government affairs, public policy, or a closely related field
At least five years of leadership and management experience
Senior-level knowledge and experience with federal legislative, appropriations, regulatory, budget, and agency processes
Ability to build and sustain trusted, bipartisan relationships with elected officials, senior congressional staff, Administration officials, federal agency leaders, and Washington stakeholders
Strong leadership and project management skills
Ability to build productive internal partnerships and influence across a complex organization
Excellent judgment, political acumen, discretion, credibility, and executive presence
Established network of relationships in Washington
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Resume and cover letter required
Register as a federal lobbyist and ensure compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and related university reporting requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits and perks to help protect employees’ and dependents’ health, wealth, and future
Benefits-eligible employee total rewards package
Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities