Government Relations Associate (Budget & Appropriations)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The American Council on Education (ACE) is seeking a Government Relations Associate in the Division of Government Relations and National Engagement (DGRNE).

ACE is a higher education, non-profit organization with almost 1,700 member institutions and educational organizations. ACE's mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice on key higher education issues through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. ACE programs include several leadership programs for college and university administrators and faculty.

The Government Relations Associate is a key contributor to an evolving policy portfolio within ACE's DGRNE. The Government Relations Associate will join a dynamic team that advocates on, and influences, national policy on higher education and federal issues impacting member institutions. The Government Relations Associate works under the supervision of the Senior Director, in close coordination with the DGRNE Senior Vice President, DGRNE team, and independently to ongoing advocacy work by ACE.

This position will play a key role in advancing ACE's advocacy priorities related to federal student aid, appropriations, and support for historically underserved institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping higher education policy in ways that directly impact equitable access, student success, and institutional sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for public policy, a commitment to educational equity, and a collaborative spirit to support initiatives that uplift diverse student populations and the institutions that serve them.

Essential Job Duties or Tasks:

• Provide support for the Government Relations team's efforts to shape federal policy on a range of issues impacting higher education, including supporting the team's advocacy efforts.
• Assist the Senior Director for Government Relations in their legislative and executive lobbying work.
• Represent ACE in meetings, hearings, and public events as needed. This includes meetings with Congressional staff, Administration staff, college and university leaders, association and think tank staff, and other stakeholders.
• Independently and in coordination with the Senior Director manage ACE's work leading external coalitions including: the Student Aid Alliance, the Committee for Education Funding, the Double Pell Alliance, the Strengthening Institutions Roundtable, among others.
• Monitor developments in Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures, including the introduction of bills and amendments, hearings, rulemakings, and grant opportunities.
• Prepare summaries and briefings that can be shared with a range of external audiences, as well as contribute to the production of advocacy materials to be used by the DGR staff. Assist in the preparation and distribution of community letters and statements.
• Coordinate the efforts of the GR team with ACE's Public Affairs team as well as other units within the organization to advance ACE's broader goals and support the organization's mission.
• Respond to time-sensitive inquiries from stakeholders such as member institutions, media, and legislative staff.
• Maintain and update databases and other resources in support of ACE's advocacy work.
• Assist the GR team in scheduling appointments and in preparing presentations, speeches, meetings, and other public events.

Education/Experience/Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three or more years of previous employment experience in advocacy and policy research and analysis. An advanced degree may be substituted for some work experience.
• Experience with postsecondary datasets and tools.

Strongly Preferred:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in higher education, education policy, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience with postsecondary education policy.
• Ability to listen critically, ask questions, and transform ideas into action steps.
• Ability to turn projects and assignments around in a timely fashion.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Ability to present publicly on issues of importance to the organization.
• Experience contributing to a team.
• Experience interfacing and communicating with policy and institutional audiences.
• Evidence of strong writing, communication, and time management skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

This is an onsite role based in Washington DC, with the option to work remotely one day per week in coordination with the team. 35 hours per week.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample (1-2 pages) highlighting relevant policy or advocacy experience.

Targeted salary range: $50,577 - $70,000.

Benefits Overview:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403B with matching incentive + employer contribution
• Short term disability/Long term disability/Life insurance
• Generous PTO package
• Paid Parental Leave
• 13 paid holidays + week between Christmas Eve & New Years Off
• Professional Development Opportunities
• ....and more!

For a full summary of benefits, please contact our Recruiting Team.

Please Note:

ACE does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior signed agreement will be considered the property of ACE, and no fees will be paid.