Advisor for Government Relations

About the Role:

Under general direction, you will engage with all relevant levels of government (federal, state, regional, local) and industry with an emphasis on building enduring, productive partnerships that support the Laboratory’s mission and serves as the chief interface to select government officials, think tanks, industry stakeholders, and university government relations staff.

In this role you will lead engagements, briefings, and information transfers with federal and state officials for Lab activities and initiatives. Forms and maintains industry and governmental relationships relevant to Fermilab where necessary.

You will provide advice, counsel, information, analysis, and strategies to senior Lab management from intelligence and resources gathered through regular engagement with external partners and audiences.

What your day-to-day as an Advisor for Government Relations at Fermilab will look like:

• You will serve as a strategic advisor within the Laboratory on evolving government policy and opportunities including the development of necessary outreach and informative strategies. 
• You will provide relevant analysis and perspective on funding outlook in the Fermilab annual and strategic planning processes. 
• Support research communication by translating complex scientific research findings into understandable language for policymakers, highlighting the potential impact of the Laboratory's work on national priorities. 
• You will provide advice on a broad spectrum of strategically significant and highly complexissues relating to federal, state, and local partnerships and opportunities. 
• You will lead outreach efforts and event planning in Illinois, South Dakota, and DC to raise policymakers' awareness of Fermilab capabilities. 
• Track the federal and state legislative and budget process to inform laboratory decision-making and to be a key interface between Fermilab and key partners regarding programs, capabilities, and funding requirements and priorities. 
• Oversee and monitor decisions on critical government issues that may impact the Lab mission such as foreign national access requirements, intergovernmental scientific collaborations, and other National Laboratory issues. 
• Craft and communicate the Laboratory's policy positions on emerging issues, prepares briefing materials, analysis of congressional hearings, and presentations to visiting or interested government officials. 
• Lead engagement efforts with government officials to increase the Lab’s access into targeted legislative and public policy arenas and foster and develop appropriate new partnerships. 
• Develop opportunities with varying levels of governmental staff for briefings and presentations by the Lab’s subject matter experts (SMEs) on relevant work to help advance strategy and agenda. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 
• Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government relations, or other related discipline. 
• 10+ years of experience in government relations. 
• Master’s degree and/or experience with science and technology or higher education policy position preferred.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government executive and legislative structures, bodies, and processes, including a demonstrate strong command of the federal and Illinois state legislative and budget process. 
• In-depth knowledge of policy issues and a demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex science and technology policy matters to elected officials and industry leaders. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for a wide range of audiences. 
• Ability to understand and effectively convey the value of science, technology, and research to diverse audiences. 
• Proficient in enterprise systems to assist with presentations and communications.

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Paid time off 
• Life insurance 
• Short and Long-term disability insurance 
• Retirement benefits 
• Onsite day care