Job Description

The Vice President of Government and External Affairs for Education Finance Council (EFC) leads strategic congressional and federal regulatory outreach efforts to advance EFCs advocacy priorities. The role includes managing relationships with the Administration, Congress, and other external stakeholders. The Vice President ensures that EFCs communications to Congress and regulatory agencies are of high-quality and align with EFCs mission and objectives. The Vice President serves as EFCs spokesperson and point of contact for media inquiries; and manages EFCs online presence. This position reports directly to the President.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Affairs

• In coordination with the President and Government Affairs Committee, develop and implement EFCs government affairs strategy, drafting and advancing policy priorities aligned to EFCs Strategic Plan
• Monitor and analyze key legislative, judicial, regulatory, and political developments and trends affecting EFCs key issue areas, identifying opportunities for engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders.
• In coordination with the President, work with key stakeholders to identify policy opportunities and develop, refine, and advance EFCs policy priorities.
• In coordination with the President, lead EFCs outreach to Capitol Hill, the White House, and federal agencies to ensure the continuation of strong bipartisan relations with them.
• Provide input and feedback to Congressional members and staff, respond to requests for assistance, provide talking points, testimony, advocacy materials, and other guidance as needed.
• In coordination with the President, lead and oversee the development and execution of efforts to mobilize EFC Members on key issues and coordinate activities with allied organizations on legislative and policy initiatives

External Relationships

• Build and deepen existing relationships and build new relationships with coalition partners and coordinate efforts with industry based coalitions and outreach to potential allies on issues of mutual interest.
• Identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration with higher education stakeholders to grow coalitional support for policies important to EFC members.
• Develop strong working relationships with the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies and open clear lines of communication with key agency personnel.
• Manage media relations (write and distribute press releases and pitches, respond to media inquiries, develop and maintain relationships with key reporters, track media coverage of EFC-related issues, write and submit op-eds and letters to the editor).
• Collaborate with EFC leadership to develop external communications strategies and campaigns to elevate EFCs profile and promote its members, including through social media and management of the EFC website.
• In coordination with the President, lead EFCs communications strategy to promote the nonprofit and state-based higher brand, and position EFC members as trusted higher education experts for policymakers and the public.

Member Engagement

• Manage EFCs Government Affairs Committee working with Committee members in the development and implementation of an integrated government relations and strategic communications effort, reviewing and recommending revisions to EFCs strategy to ensure its alignment with EFCs overall strategic plan, the changing political environment, and member feedback.
• Draft and solicit member input on model legislation including bill language, amendment language, and report language.
• Oversee coordination of EFC member fly-ins, briefings, panels, etc.
• Manage EFCs Alternative Education Loan and State Regulations Working Group, exploring ways to address the growing number of state regulations and/or licensing/certification requirements for the origination and servicing of state-based, nonprofit private education loans and foster open discussion for members to share ideas, updates, and network. Build relationships with EFC members by supporting their requests and needs for data and information.

Management Duties and Training

For the areas of responsibility outlined in this job description, supervise the Associate Director of Government Affairs and Communications in the completion of assigned tasks; provide training and constructive feedback; and provide input to the President on staff performance for purposes of performance evaluations

Additional Responsibilities

This job description is not a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as determined by the President.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

• BA/BS required; masters degree preferred
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience monitoring and analyzing federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills Ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear, concise message
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships and collaborative efforts and to diplomatically manage groups and coalitions
• Message development skills
• Some experience with media relations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in the context of policy initiatives
• Proficient in project management and interpersonal skills to manage stakeholder relationships effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

EFC CULTURE

EFC is a mission-driven organization that supports its members to expand access to postsecondary education and training, facilitate student success, assist students and families in identifying their best sources of education funding, assist individuals with connecting postsecondary education and career outcomes, encourage responsible borrowing, and advocate for and with individuals in support of successful management of their postsecondary education financing. EFC strives to attract and retain a diverse and talented team. EFC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

CLASSIFICATION AND JOB TYPE

Salaried / Exempt, Full-Time

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $125,000 to $135,000
• Generous benefits package, including a retirement savings program with employer contributions, health, dental and vision, long term disability and life insurance.
• EFC is committed to fostering a culture of learning, team collaboration, and trust.

TRAVEL

Requires some travel to EFC meetings and conferences, special events and programs, and member site visits

JOB LOCATION

Greater Washington, DC. EFC provides a flexible, hybrid work schedule working from the DC office at least one day per week, dependent upon DC-based meetings and events, work travel schedule, and organizational needs to support special events and programs.

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter expressing your interest to jobs@efc.org with the subject line Vice President.

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