MIT - Director, Washington DC Office

Director, Washington DC Office

Position Overview :

The Director of the MIT Washington Office will report to the VP for Government Affairs. Together, they will develop an overall Washington, DC strategy that supports MIT’s mission, values, fiscal health, and autonomy, taking into account MIT’s lobbying efforts, communications work, legal strategies, and oversight of Lincoln Laboratory.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

• Reports to the Vice President for Government Affairs and builds relationships with key government officials to serve as a liaison with Congress, Federal government departments and agencies, and Washington-based national organizations, supporting MIT senior administrators.
• Works closely with the Vice President for Government Affairs, the Presidential Advisor for Science and Technology Policy, and the Institute's senior administrative and academic officers, deans, faculty, and staff to identify federal policy issues and develop and help execute timely and effective governmental relations strategies.
• Monitors and analyzes federal legislative developments and strategically advises the administration on risks and potential action.
• Serves as a thought leader to represent MIT in the advocacy activities of higher education associations, science and technology coalitions and organizations, and related research, education, and innovation advocacy groups.
• Supports and advises MIT faculty and faculty committees in the development of congressional testimonies and the development and release, including presentations to policymakers, of major policy initiatives in such areas as AI, quantum, climate, clean energy technology, life science convergence, online education, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurship policy.
• Works with and supervises the Office’s programs with MIT students and student groups interested in science and technology policy.
• Manages and mentors MIT Washington office staff and provides career development opportunities.
• Responsible for the operations of the Washington Office; working with Associate Vice President and Director, Human Resources on finances, operations, and human resources. Empowers staff to advocate for MIT’s interests.

Supervision Received :

The Director, DC Office will report to the Vice President for Government Affairs.

Supervision Exercised :

The Director, DC Office will manage one support staff and four administrative staff members.

Qualifications & Skills :

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in government relations or legislative affairs focused on science and technology. Experience working with congressional offices and / or federal executive branch agencies, academia, or the private sector is required. Relevant experience in a leading research-intensive university, the Federal government or a related science, technology, or higher education policy position is strongly desired. An understanding of federal policy for science, technology, innovation, university research, and education is essential. An advanced degree is highly desirable. Excellent advocacy, analytical, writing, interpersonal, organizational, management, and communication skills are essential. The Director must work effectively with MIT senior leadership and members of the MIT community.

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