Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Government Relations

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Closing Date:

03/16/2026

Type of Position:

Government and Community RelationsNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas seeks an experienced federal government relations professional to advance the institution's federal legislative and appropriations priorities. This position serves as the University's primary point of contact with Congress, federal agencies, and national higher education associations, with a particular focus on securing federal funding through the annual appropriations process and authorizing legislation.

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Government Relations will leverage deep congressional experience, a strong understanding of federal budgeting and appropriations, and established relationships on Capitol Hill to advocate for the University's research, academic, infrastructure, student success, and workforce development priorities. This role requires strategic insight, political intelligence, and the ability to translate complex institutional needs into compelling federal policy and funding requests.

Key Responsibilities:

Federal Strategy & Advocacy

· Develop and execute a comprehensive federal government relations strategy aligned with the University's strategic plan and research priorities.

· Represent the University of Arkansas before Congress, federal agencies, and executive branch officials.

· Serve as the University's lead advocate on Capitol Hill, advancing priorities through both authorizing and appropriations processes.

Congressional Engagement

· Maintain active, productive relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and leadership offices, with particular emphasis on:

· House and Senate Appropriations Committees

· Relevant authorizing committees

· Coordinate and lead congressional meetings, campus visits, briefings, and

delegations.

· Prepare senior university leadership for meetings with Members of Congress and federal officials, including briefing materials and talking points.

Federal Appropriations & Budgeting

· Lead the development, submission, and advocacy of federal appropriations

requests, including but not limited to:

· Programmatic funding increases

· Congressionally directed spending

· Research, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives

· Track and analyze the federal budget, appropriations bills, continuing resolutions, and omnibus packages for impact on the University.

· Work closely with campus stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and align proposals with federal priorities.

Policy Analysis & Issue Management

· Monitor federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments affecting higher education, research, student aid, and public universities.

· Provide timely analysis and recommendations to university leadership regarding

risks, opportunities, and strategic positioning.

· Draft policy memos, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for internal and external audiences.

Internal Coordination & Leadership

· Serve as a strategic liaison between federal policymakers and university leadership, faculty, and research administrators.

· Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across federal, state, and institutional advocacy efforts.

External Partnerships

· Represent the University within national higher education associations and coalitions.

· Build and sustain partnerships with peer institutions, research consortia, and industry partners to advance shared federal priorities.

This position is located in Fayetteville, AR (with frequent travel to Washington, DC) or Washington, DC.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

• At least three years of experience in federal government relations, public policy, or legislative affairs

• At least two years of direct experience working in the U.S. Congress (e.g., as a committee staffer, personal office staff, or leadership staff)

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the federal appropriations process, including development and advocacy of funding requests

• Deep understanding of federal budgeting, authorization vs. appropriations, and congressional procedures

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior executives and elected officials

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

• Experience representing a public university, research institution, or higher education association

• Existing relationships with Arkansas' congressional delegation and key committee staff

• Experience engaging with federal research agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, USDA, DoD, DOE)

• Familiarity with issues impacting land-grant institutions and public higher education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic thinking and political judgment

• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills

• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously

• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity

• Comfort operating independently in a fast-paced federal environment

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeProof of Veteran StatusCrystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes