Congressional Relations Associate

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). AIHEC advances American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through advocacy, research, member services, and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, communities and Tribal Nations. Through its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner to member institutions and emerging TCUs. AIHEC also publishes the Tribal College Journal (TCJ), a premier national publication highlighting innovations, achievements, and issues impacting American Indian higher education.

Position Summary

The Congressional Relations Associate supports AIHEC's Congressional Affairs strategy by cultivating and maintaining productive relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, committees, and key legislative partners. Working under the direction of the Vice President of Congressional and Federal Relations, the Associate coordinates congressional outreach, monitors legislative activity, prepares briefing materials, supports appropriations efforts, and helps ensure AIHEC maintains a visible and trusted presence on Capitol Hill.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Public Administration, Native American Studies, Higher Education, Communications, or a related field.

Three to five years of professional experience in congressional affairs, government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a related field.

Working knowledge of the U.S. Congress and the federal appropriations process.

Experience coordinating congressional meetings or working with congressional offices.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

Experience working with Tribal Nations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, or Native-serving organizations.

Knowledge of post-secondary education policy.

Core Competencies

Political Acumen: Understands political dynamics, stakeholder interests, and the legislative environment, and adjusts approaches accordingly.

Relationship Management: Builds and maintains productive, trust-based relationships with congressional staff, member institutions, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.

Influence and Persuasion: Communicates ideas effectively, builds consensus, and advances organizational priorities through collaboration and credibility.

Initiative and Accountability: Demonstrates ownership of assignments, anticipates needs, follows through on commitments, and delivers results with minimal supervision.

Cultural Awareness and Inclusion: Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and experiences and works effectively with Tribal Colleges and Universities and their stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect, determine, perceive, and observe details, particularly on a screen or on paper.

Ability to spend more than half of the time viewing computer monitors.

This position may require remaining in a stationary position 50% or more.

Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.

Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs.

Job Location and Travel

Hybrid – DC Metro Area

Travel up to 25% for meetings and conferences

Key Responsibilities

Congressional Relations

Build and maintain productive bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and relevant committees.

Conduct routine outreach to congressional offices to strengthen awareness of Tribal Colleges and Universities and AIHEC priorities.

Serve as AIHEC's day-to-day point of contact for congressional offices.

Coordinate congressional meetings, briefings, office visits, and Capitol Hill events.

Maintain congressional contact databases and relationship tracking.

Legislative and Appropriations Support

Monitor legislation, appropriations activity, committee hearings, and floor action affecting Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Prepare legislative summaries, briefing memoranda, talking points, and background materials.

Track appropriations requests, legislative priorities, and congressional action items.

Assist the Vice President in reviewing legislative language and congressional impacts on Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Member and Legislative Summit Support

Assist Tribal College presidents in preparing for congressional meetings.

Coordinate congressional participation in AIHEC events.

Manage congressional scheduling and logistics for the annual Legislative Summit.

Prepare leave-behind materials and congressional briefing books.

$85,000-95,000 annually