Job Summary: Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs, the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs at the University of Alabama System Office (UAS) is responsible for initiatives that shape and advance relationships and strategic priorities across the state, region, and nation. This role will provide vision and direction for external engagement efforts, including federal government relations, community and stakeholder partnerships, strategic communications, and system-wide public affairs initiatives. The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Affairs will also work closely with the Vice Chancellor, UA System leadership, campus leadership, and public officials to ensure a unified, proactive, and impactful external relations strategy that supports the mission and long-term goals of the UA System.

Essential Duties

• Develops and executes comprehensive federal affairs strategies in alignment with UA System priorities, legislative agendas, and institutional goals.
• Translates executive priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables across UA System institutions.
• Develops and manages relationships with federal officials, legislative staff, and government agencies.
• Leads or participates in system-wide committees, task forces, and working groups related to government relations, public affairs, and external engagement.
• Analyzes, interprets, and monitors legislative and regulatory developments impacting higher education. Determines the implications for the UA System and prepares briefings and makes recommendations.
• Advises and provides expert analysis to Vice Chancellor and UA System senior leadership on emerging policy trends and developments, issues, political dynamics, and opportunities that may affect the UA System in addition to any potential impacts on stakeholders.
• Provides leadership and coordination among UA, UAB, UAH and affiliated health system partners to ensure consistent messaging, aligned advocacy efforts, and unified engagement with external partners. Collaborates with UA System communication team to ensure cohesive messaging, media engagement, and public positioning.
• Leads community affairs initiatives aligned with UA System priorities and serves as a liaison between the organization and external stakeholders.
• Exercises independent judgment in directing legislative engagement activities and stakeholder coordination within established policy priorities.
• Supports leadership in managing sensitive and time-critical matters requiring discretion and coordination with senior officials.
• Oversees the accuracy and consistency of institutional communications with governmental stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This role supervises the External Affairs Operations Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs advocacy, public policy and/or legislative/agency staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree, JD, or higher in related field

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience working with senior leadership or government officials and entities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, and institutional partners.
• Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and external stakeholders on high-level projects.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills suited for executive-level engagement. Demonstrated capability to prepare briefings and draft policy language.
• Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, strategic planning, and research skills.
• Knowledge of federal government operations.
• Strong understanding of strategic project management principles, particularly within higher education or government affairs.
• Proven ability to lead, coordinate, and prioritize multiple complex initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Expertise in planning and executing special events that support strategic objectives.
• Ability to navigate complex political and organizational environments, with discretion and sound judgment.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary Work: involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

Working Environment

• This role will be based at the UA System Office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with occasional travel expected between other UA System campuses (UAB and UAH) and Washington, D.C. The hours are typically 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, may occasionally be required to work more than 40 hours to meet project timelines.

Note to applicant: Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and complete contact information for three professional references who will be contacted only with the candidate's permission. Final salary will be commensurate with the overall qualifications of the selected final candidate.

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama System is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected vets and individuals with disabilities.

This posting will close on July 31, 2026.