Government Relations and Public Policy Legal Analyst

About AAU

Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU helps shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation, promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.

The Opportunity

AAU is excited to announce an opening for a Government Relations and Public Policy (GRPP) Legal Analyst (Legal Analyst). Reporting to the Deputy VP and Counsel for GRPP, this position will provide comprehensive legislative and legal analysis support for AAU’s portfolio of advocacy issues including Title VI, Title XI, immigration, FERPA, academic freedom, labor and employment, student affairs, and college affordability. This role will conduct detailed research on legal precedents, statutes, and regulations, track legislative changes, aid in the development of policy proposals, and prepare legal briefs, memos, and other materials to support the department's goals.

Additionally, the role supports the Senior and Deputy VPs for GRPP with executing Council on Federal Relations (CFR) and General Counsel (GC) constituent group meetings, including planning and coordinating content, procuring speakers, and preparing reports. The Legal Analyst provides updates through AAU communication channels, serves as a liaison for gathering information and materials, and assists with preparing and presenting legal and legislative analyses.

To read a more detailed list of job duties for this role, please see our website: https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/jobs

This position operates primarily out of AAU’s DC office. After completing 90 days of employment, this position is eligible for a hybrid work environment that requires being in the office at least 3 days per week. This position is classified as salaried and exempt.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• By the date of hire, applicants must reside within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and JD required; two to four years of experience dealing with legal issues affecting higher education.
• Familiarity with federal regulations and policy issues relevant to higher education and public policy.
• Advanced skills in conducting in-depth legal research, analyzing complex regulatory issues, and drafting and reviewing legal documents, reports, and memoranda.
• Proficiency in conveying complex legal information clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Comfort in presenting information at meetings and conferences.
• Ability to work independently, provide leadership on GRPP issues, and collaborate effectively within the AAU team.
• Demonstrates advanced problem-solving and research skills on unique issues or where no precedents exist.
• Ability to foster teamwork, cooperation, respect, and diversity, and promote productive communication.
• Adherence to AAU’s policies and procedures, maintaining integrity, punctuality, and ensuring coverage of responsibilities when absent.
• Accurate management and submission of expenditure records in compliance with IRS and DOL requirements; participation in budget preparation and record-keeping.
• Advanced proficiency in computer applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Calendar, and the Internet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a non-profit, association, higher education, and/or university campus setting.
• Experience working with Zoom, Salesforce Marketing Cloud (or Pardot), and an advocacy or federal relations monitoring tool, such as BGov.
• Knowledge of digital media, including web management, content management systems, and mass email systems.

Compensation

The total compensation package for this role includes:

• A base annual salary ranging from $107,000 – $110,000 (commensurate with experience).
• A robust benefits and perks package, including fully employer-funded medical and dental insurance premiums for employees, their spouse, and qualified dependents; an employer-funded 403(b) retirement account contribution valued at 10% of employee’s yearly salary with full vestment after one year; a monthly commuter stipend; generous leave options, and more.

See here to learn more about AAU's perks and benefits: https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/jobs/perks-and-benefits

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted through September 13, after which the recruiting team will evaluate and contact candidates. To apply, please submit the following information to jobs@aau.edu (please reference GRPP Legal Analyst in the subject line.):

• A resume.
• A cover letter that describes why you are interested in this role and how your background and experience make you a suitable candidate for this position.
• A writing sample, no more than 10 pages, related to legal or public policy matters.
• Your base salary requirements.

Applications without all requested materials and information will not be considered.

Qualified individuals with a disability will be provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application process. Please contact us at jobs@aau.edu or call 202-898-7841 to request accommodation.

AAU is committed to a work environment that is inclusive and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status, homeless status, or any other factors prohibited by federal, state, and local law.