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.

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.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 annually
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Match, subject to plan eligibility requirements.
  • Holidays and Paid Time Off

How to Apply
Apply online through AIHEC’s careers portal.

AIHEC’s personnel policies, procedures, and practices prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are
committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified
individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state
and local laws. If you require accommodation during the application process or in performing essential
functions of the role, please contact Human Resources.