Occupational Summary

The Assistant Director of Government Relations supports Duke University’s advocacy and engagement efforts with state and federal government officials and agencies. The Assistant Director will play a key role in advancing Duke’s legislative and regulatory priorities by monitoring policy developments, supporting strategic outreach, and strengthening relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Government Engagement & Advocacy (20%)

• Support Duke’s engagement with state and federal elected officials, legislative staff, and executive branch agencies.
• Assist in the development and execution of advocacy strategies aligned with Duke’s institutional priorities.
• Help prepare leaders for meetings with policymakers, including briefings, talking points, and background materials.
• Represent Duke at meetings, briefings, hearings, and coalition events as appropriate.

Policy Monitoring & Analysis (25%)

• Track and analyze state and federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments affecting higher education, research, health care, and other university priorities.
• Prepare written summaries, issue briefs, and impact analyses for internal audiences.
• Identify emerging policy issues and opportunities for engagement.

Communications & Outreach (25%)

• Develop and write text for printed publications, newsletters, electronic messaging, and social media necessary to achieve the mission and goals of the office.  Prepare reports, position papers, and talking points.

• Contribute to reports and updates for university leadership on government relations activities.
• Assist with website updates and content management.

• Identify avenues for faculty and staff to share areas of their clinical, teaching and research expertise with state and federal officials. Work with faculty and staff on appropriate ways to advocate and interact with government officials.
• Plan, communicate and participate in internal legislative presentations and briefings for employees and, when appropriate, student organizations.

Relationship Management & Coordination (15%)

• Expand productive working relationships with government offices, higher education associations, and peer institutions.
• Support increased coalition-building efforts with external organizations and associations.

Event & Visit Support (15%)

• Help plan and execute campus visits for elected officials and staff.
• Support Duke’s presence at legislative events, advocacy days, and briefings at the state and federal levels.

Education/Training

Work requires communication, writing, analytical and organizational skills acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work requires a minimum of four years of experience in state or federal government relations, advocacy, policy analysis, public relations or a related field in order to coordinate and support a comprehensive government relations program.