The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) invites applications and nominations for the Director of Government Relations and External Affairs. CGS seeks an individual with strong federal relations experience and an in-depth knowledge of federal policy related to higher education, graduate education, and research. This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic and innovative leader to advance key priorities for graduate education in the public policy sphere. Reporting to the President, the Director of Government Relations will serve as a key member of CGS executive leadership in developing and implementing a strategic agenda for federal relations to ensure maximum public policy impact of the Council’s agenda. The Director will also be responsible for day-to-day monitoring and communication of developments related to graduate education in the Congress and Executive Branch and for building strong partnerships with key Washington policy makers and their staff.

Desired Experience and Skills:

• At least 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in government relations and a strong understanding of federal public policy issues affecting higher education and graduate education.
• Demonstrated success in leadership roles in government relations or legislative affairs in higher education, nonprofits, Congress, or the Executive Branch.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of Congress, Congressional committees, the legislative and appropriations process, and Federal agencies, programs, and policies related to higher education, graduate education, and research.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in developing policy agenda and in executing positive federal relations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build consensus in a collaborative decision-making environment within CGS as well as within external networks.
• A strong network of existing contacts in Congress and the Executive Branch is highly preferred.
• An advanced degree (beyond a bachelor’s) is strongly preferred. Higher education experience is a plus. 

The Council of Graduate Schools, the national voice for the graduate dean community, is the only organization in the United States that is dedicated solely to the advancement of graduate education and research. CGS accomplishes its mission through advocacy in the policy arena, innovative research, and the development and dissemination of best practices. CGS also acts as a convening authority, organizing major events that bring together graduate deans and other stakeholders to discuss and take action on a broad range of issues affecting graduate education today. CGS membership includes over 500 universities in the United States and Canada, and 25 universities outside the U.S. and Canada. Collectively, CGS institutions annually award more than 92 percent of all U.S. doctorates and over 81 percent of all U.S. master's degrees.

Application and Nomination Process

Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately and will continue on a confidential basis until the appointment is made, preferably by late March or early April. Applications must include a letter of interest, a resume, and five professional references with an e-mail address and telephone numbers. Applications and nominations should be sent to governmentrelationssearch@cgs.nche.edu. Electronic submissions (MS Word or Adobe PDF) are strongly preferred. For full consideration, please ensure that your application is received by February 15. To learn more about CGS, please visit www.cgsnet.org. Inquiries and nominations may also be made at 202-461-3880.

CGS is an equal opportunity employer

Council of Graduate Schools
Attention: Human Resources, Government Relations Search
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 230
Washington, DC 20036-1173