Job Number:
HC-05378
Date Posted:
April 20, 2026
Position Title:
Senior Director of Federal Relations
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Reports To:
Location:
Madison, WI
Contact:
Salary:
$195,000 to $230,000
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The Office of Federal Relations advocates on behalf of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Washington, DC.Track federal activity related to higher education policy and maintain an in-depth knowledge of national higher education issues.8+ years professional work experience in federal government affairs, public policy, external relations, or a related field.
Responsibilities:
• Track federal activity related to higher education policy and maintain an in-depth knowledge of national higher education issues.
• Prepare and implement the annual appropriations strategy for UW–Madison.
• Provide a positive, high-profile presence to the campus community and federal stakeholders to support how legislators and key government officials perceive the university.
• Develop and maintain relationships with campus faculty and staff, including colleagues in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Office of University Relations, school/college leadership, and other campus stakeholders.
• Build and maintain working relationships with members of Congress and Congressional staff; Congressional committees and caucuses; agency, business, and industry leadership and personnel; as well as higher education associations and professional societies.
• Develops and audits the unit budget.
Qualifications:
• 8+ years professional work experience in federal government affairs, public policy, external relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal legislative and appropriation processes.
• Experience developing and implementing successful advocacy and legislative strategies.
• Current relationships with elected officials, agency heads, and/or policymakers.
• Experience managing relationships with lobbyists and consultants.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Instructions:
Email <ddress>
Other:
The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
