The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the preeminent voice for academic freedom and the role of faculty in higher education, is seeking a dynamic individual to join the national staff as Government Relations Associate. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help define an advocacy agenda at the intersection of higher education, law and public policy, and civil liberties.

The work of the Government Relations Associate consists of facilitating advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels. This is accomplished through collaboration with members of the national office staff, AAUP member activists across the country, and in coalition with other advocacy organizations.

At the state level, you will

* monitor state legislation and develop grassroots legislative campaigns in collaboration with AAUP member activists;
* provide training and consultation for state and campus-level leaders and activists; and
* maintain and advance relations with state leaders, and present government relations activities as an integral part of building membership in state and campus AAUP organizations.

At the federal level, you will

* monitor legislation and regulations that impact higher education and collaborate with staff and leaders to organize appropriate responses;
* draft materials for lobbying activities such as letters to legislators and executive-branch administrators, congressional testimony, and briefing papers;
* organize Capitol Hill Day activities during the Association's Annual Meeting; and
* communicate with other higher education groups and issue advocacy groups and pursue collaborative action where appropriate. To communicate with AAUP members and the external community, you will prepare material on a regular basis for the Government Relations section of the AAUP Web site;
* prepare a periodic newsletter highlighting government relations developments at the state and national levels; and
* conduct workshops for national events such as the Summer Institute and the Annual Meeting.

Qualifications and compensation

* Graduate degree in political science, higher education or another relevant field.
* Familiarity with higher education, civil liberties, or related policy issues is a requirement. Prior work experience in higher education, a policy research or advocacy organization, or in a legislative setting at either state or federal levels, would also be relevant.
* Excellent communication ability, both written and oral, including public speaking.
* Ability to travel on a regular basis.
* The successful candidate will also be expected to develop expertise in at least one area relevant to the Association's work. Possible issue areas include intellectual property, science and technology policy, diversity, public finance, and civil liberties.
* Beginning salary will be $60-65,000, dependent on qualifications. Compensation includes a generous benefits package, with fully-paid health insurance covering dental and vision, 10 percent employer retirement contribution, 22 days of annual leave, and a flexible work schedule.

Closing Date

5th October 2009
Contact

To apply, send a cover letter and current c.v. to John W. Curtis, Director of Research and Public Policy, at resassoc@aaup.org. Please do not send reference letters or other materials at this time. No phone calls, please. The position is open until filled, but review of applications will begin immediately.
Website

www.aaup.org