Assistant Director of Federal Affairs

Department:

Secretary of the University-257001

Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

01/29/2026

02/12/2026

No

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Assistant Director of Federal Affairs

EHRA Non-Faculty

NF0009508

Full-Time Permanent

1

40

District of Columbia, US

Dependent on experience.

03/02/2026

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

UNC‑Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and and programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Secretary of the University department reports to the Chancellor and is responsible for overseeing administrative and operational matters related to strategic initiatives and special projects for the University. This unit serves as the University’s liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to: the Board of Trustees, Student Government, Employee Forum, and Faculty Council. The University’s State Affairs and Federal Affairs departments report to the Secretary of the University – together the units jointly advocate for the University’s priorities affecting higher education, while cultivating and building on relationships with the NC State legislature and U.S. Congress.

Overseeing UNC Public Affairs, this unit serves as the primary liaison between the University and policymakers at the federal and state levels. Charged with developing and advancing the University’s policy agenda and expanding strong partnerships with our public officials.

The Assistant Director of Federal Affairs reports to the Director of Federal Affairs within the Office of Public Affairs. The position will work closely with the Director of Federal Affairs and Chief Strategic Officer & Secretary of the University to enhance and further define the University’s relationships with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government; to strengthen the University’s contribution to national panels and policy boards;

and to inform and serve the University faculty and administrators and their interests in federal policy and research initiatives. The position provides well informed input to the Director on advocacy strategies regarding federal legislative and policy development (in both the legislative and executive branch) and represents the Director in professional settings with a variety of Washington audiences. In the activities outlined below, this position will occasionally operate in coordination with the highest levels of campus faculty and administration.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. with some travel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina as well as various national association meetings.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Training and experience in government or…