Vice President For Government Relations And Policy Development

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUNDThe National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) is the only national organization focused solely on representing private, nonprofit higher education in the United States. NAICU's institutional membership is comprised of nearly 1,000 accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities. The association has an $8M operating budget with a staff of 18, is governed by a Board of Directors of 47 members, and is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
NAICU's institutional membership reflects a diversity of schools among this subset of American higher education, including major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, art and design colleges, conservatories of music, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women's colleges, Hispanic-serving and other minority-serving institutions, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business, and other professions.
NAICU also counts association partners in its membership. The association's state network, the National Association of Independent College and University State Executives (NAICUSE) is comprised of the leaders of the state associations representing independent colleges and universities and is a core partner in NAICU's work. Currently, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are represented in NAICUSE. The state association presidents are an integral partner in support of NAICU's advocacy on behalf of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
The NAICU Secretariat consists of 26 members representing the many regional and special-purpose independent college and university associations. The Secretariat is comprised of many different faith-based associations, women's colleges, work colleges, colleges of art and design, medical specialty, and regional groups such as the Great Lakes, Midwest, South, and Appalachia.
NAICU is a nonpartisan organization and is one of the six national presidential higher education policy associations in Washington. Each of these associations represents key sectors of the higher education ecosystem and work together, when appropriate, to further higher education policies and priorities with federal policymakers.
Given the breadth of its membership, NAICU is instrumental both in shaping higher education policy and in assisting members with issues at the intersection of the institution and federal government. NAICU works regularly with Congress, the Department of Education, the White House, and other federal agencies on issues of greatest concern to independent colleges and universities. The Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development develops key relationships with Congressional and Administration leaders and staff, and develops tracks, analyzes, and summarizes policy, legislation, and regulations amidst an ever-changing political atmosphere.
NAICU's Policy Priorities Include:Advocating for the equitable treatment of private, nonprofit institutions.Ensuring that key federal student aid programs provide all Americans access to the college that best fits their educational needs.Promoting tax policy that helps families save and pay for college, and helps private colleges fulfill their distinctive missions.Seeking appropriate regulation of private, nonprofit colleges and universities that is sensitive to their diversity and independence, while addressing society's needs.NAICU develops tools, resources, legislative alerts, webinars, and the weekly Washington Update newsletter to support members in understanding what is happening in Washington and assisting them in making the case for independent higher education with policymakers. As a leading convener and coalition builder NAICU creates tailored advocacy training for new and experienced presidents navigating emerging legislative pressures within the higher education space.
Every day NAICU ensures the voice of private, nonprofit higher education is heard in the policy debates and conversations taking place in Washington, D.C. and around the country. More information about NAICU's policy positions can be found in the summary of key federal higher education issues.
THE OPPORTUNITYNAICU is seeking a Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development following the retirement of a highly successful long-time leader. The Vice President will report directly to the President and be a leading thought partner and advisor to the President, NAICU Board, and members, on a myriad of complex policies and legislation that deeply impact private, nonprofit higher education institutions. This position develops NAICU's public policy goals and strategies that take into account the diversity of the private, nonprofit higher education institutions in the United States.
The Vice President will have overall responsibility for federal relations, the development and execution of NAICU's advocacy strategies, and for coordinating and unifying the voices of the various components of NAICU's membership. Joining NAICU during a unique moment in higher education history, the Vice President will be tasked with navigating the challenging legislative and regulatory environment, a new Administration and Congress, and existing political polarization. As such, the successful candidate must embody a visionary and creative leadership style, credible depth of expertise, and a record of accomplishment of navigating Washington, D.C. in a bi-partisan manner.
The Vice President will manage a highly experienced government relations team who bring significant policy expertise and understanding of the landscape that exists today for member schools. Utilizing the strength of the NAICU team's expertise, and their own established networks in Washington, D.C., the next Vice President will represent NAICU externally, speaking to and meeting regularly with presidents, state executives, the Board of Directors, and myriad external collaborators to ensure that NAICU's positions are communicated clearly.
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing the sector. This individual will seek to identify ways to garner stronger support with policy makers across governmental agencies, the White House, and Congress to ensure a strong coalition in the fight for equity in our sector and institutional strength among private, nonprofit institutions.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and execute a bold legislative strategy, including building active membership support of NAICU goals.Serve, alongside the President of NAICU, as a primary representative of the organization, effectively communicating complex policy and legislation to a wide range of stakeholders across NAICU membership and the higher education ecosystem.Empower and lead a strong government relations team, ensuring overall engagement, an inclusive and collaborative environment, effective performance, superior service to all NAICU constituencies, and opportunities for professional development and growth.Represent NAICU in Congress, the Executive Branch, and other key areas of government.Develop and coordinate NAICU's position on policy issues with other members of the higher education community, serving as a key liaison with several stakeholder groups and related organizations.Develop and maintain, along with others on the Government Relations team, a network of NAICU stakeholders and coalitions.Develop, with the NAICU Board of Directors, policy committees, and staff, a statement of NAICU priorities for each Congress.Develop, support, and collaborate to produce high quality member service products and programs, including webinars, meeting programming, weekly newsletter content, and other communication.Represent NAICU's positions and the private, nonprofit sector across the membership, sector, and range of stakeholders and collaborators.Serves as a member of NAICU's management team, along with the President, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of Public Affairs, to determine strategic priorities and organizational management policies and practices.PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated passion and commitment to higher education, particularly the private nonprofit sector.10-15 years of experience, with increasing responsibility for managing teams and strategic priorities. Preference for experience in higher education public policy, Capitol Hill, national membership association, university/college, or governmental agency relevant to the NAICU mission.Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of higher education policy, including an understanding of issues confronting private, nonprofit higher education, federal legislation, executive, agency, and administrative policies, and judicial decisions.Evidence of policy leadership and networks across critical governmental agencies.Record of accomplishment of effective public-speaking and ability to clearly communicate complex issues to general audiences; exceptional written communication skills.Demonstrated experience in developing and/or implementing a policy agenda.Visionary and strategic leader who can anticipate future consequences and trends and incorporate them into strategic planning.Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder who works collaboratively, empowers team members, and serves as a thought partner and advisor to the President, leadership, and members.Clear ability to problem solve with creativity, wisdom, tact, and decisiveness.Outstanding ability to work "both sides of the aisle," broker coalitions and alliances, and achieve success through influence. Deep understanding of differing political perspectives.Demonstrated management ability, allowing for the successful development, execution, and timely completion of multiple projects concurrently, all with a strong focus on excellence and outcomes.EDUCATIONAn undergraduate degree is required. Relevant advanced degree is preferred.

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