Introduction
NACUBO is committed to diversity because it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission, just as it does for institutions of higher education. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.
Creativity and cross-team collaboration drive NACUBO’s achievements and contribute to individual success. All staff members are encouraged to think creatively about how they and NACUBO can address mission, member needs, and challenges that will inevitably arise from time to time. They are also encouraged to develop and nurture strong partnerships throughout the association. These partnerships help individuals, teams, and the association accomplish the activities, goals and strategies of the organization and of individual positions.
Imagination, innovation, and curiosity are welcome, and all require some risk taking. NACUBO encourages staff to engage in bold thinking, to put forward new ideas and proposals, and to openly debate the risks – upside and downside – associated with new ideas.
Each member of the NACUBO staff is responsible for creating and sustaining esprit de corps across the organization.
To accomplish all of this, staff will need strong communication and strategic thinking skills. NACUBO is committed to nurturing these skills in all staff members.
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Government Affairs and Business Policy serves as an advocate, analyst, and strategist for a national higher education association focused on the business and financial operations of colleges and universities. This position leads NACUBO’s work on higher education and research-related business and finance issues, with a primary focus on federal tax policy. Other areas of policy engagement may include risk management, student athletics, employer issues, and technology transfer. The Senior Director provides strategic leadership, expert analysis, and advocacy to ensure that NACUBO members are represented and supported on complex business and tax policy issues affecting institutional financial sustainability and compliance.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The incumbent will work in conjunction with the Vice President, Policy and Research, and, where appropriate, in coordination with the Director, Education Policy, to:
Federal Policy and Regulatory Leadership
- Serve as NACUBO’s in-house expert on tax policy and other research-related business and finance issues impacting colleges and universities.
- Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative and regulatory developments related to taxation, labor relations, intercollegiate athletics and other higher education business issues.
- Lead NACUBO’s policy development and advocacy efforts in these areas, preparing comment letters, policy analyses, and strategies for communications with federal agencies and Congress.
- Provide timely updates, analyses, and strategic recommendations to NACUBO leadership and members on key policy developments.
Advocacy and Representation
- Represent NACUBO before Congress, the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other federal agencies on issues affecting the tax-exempt status, operations, and financial management of higher education institutions.
- Advocate for policies that support effective stewardship of institutional resources, promote innovation and compliance, and strengthen colleges’ and universities’ roles in education and research.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with policymakers, federal officials, and higher education associations.
Education and Member Engagement
- Serve as the staff liaison to and coordinator of NACUBO’s Tax Council, facilitating council discussions, policy input, and strategic direction on federal tax issues.
- Serve as the content lead and program planning committee coordinator for NACUBO’s annual Tax Forum, ensuring the conference reflects emerging policy priorities and delivers high-quality, relevant professional education.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop and deliver member education programs, webinars, and resources that provide actionable insights on tax and other business management topics.
- Develop issue briefs, comment letters, and educational resources to inform NACUBO members and enhance institutional compliance and understanding.
Strategic Collaboration and Coalition Building
- Work collaboratively with NACUBO staff, member institutions, and partner organizations to align advocacy positions and strengthen the association’s influence on policy decisions affecting higher education business operations.
- Participate in working groups and coalitions addressing tax-exempt sector policy, research and innovation, labor and employment, and institutional finance.
Trend and Impact Analysis
- Track and assess emerging trends in federal tax and business regulation affecting higher education institutions.
- Provide strategic insights and forward-looking policy analysis to inform NACUBO’s advocacy priorities, communications, and professional development offerings.
- Contribute to internal planning and leadership discussions to ensure policy work is data-informed and aligned with the association’s mission.
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Competencies
- Deep policy expertise in federal tax and higher education business issues: Strong understanding of federal tax policy affecting tax-exempt organizations and higher education, including core elements of tax compliance, tax-exempt status, and related business/finance topics (e.g., research policy, labor/employment, intercollegiate athletics).
- Legislative, regulatory, and trend analysis capability: Skilled at monitoring and interpreting complex legislative and regulatory developments; able to assess institutional impact, identify risks/opportunities, and translate emerging trends into clear implications for colleges and universities.
- Government relations and advocacy experience: Demonstrated success engaging with Congress and federal agencies; able to represent NACUBO’s positions with credibility, diplomacy, and effectiveness.
- Exceptional communication skills: Expert oral and written communicator who can serve as a spokesperson, author clear and compelling comment letters/policy analyses/advocacy materials/member communications, and translate technical issues into actionable insights for varied audiences.
- Strategic and analytical thinker: Ability to synthesize fragmented or incomplete information, recognize patterns, draw sound conclusions, and develop strategies that advance association objectives and member needs.
- Consultative, member-focused approach: Skilled at listening to stakeholders, understanding institutional realities, and making informed recommendations on association actions, advocacy priorities, professional development content, and (when appropriate) use of external consultant advice.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative leadership: Works flexibly across NACUBO departments and with external partners/coalitions; facilitates productive member council engagement; supervises staff (as applicable) in ways that reinforce high-level member service.
- Organized, adaptable, and self-directed: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities, fulfill commitments reliably, and pivot effectively as policy landscapes, schedules, or opportunities change.
- Team-oriented professional presence: Brings a win–win, accountable mindset; comfortable engaging senior leaders across higher education associations, member institutions, and policy environments, confidently stating views, making recommendations, and motivating action.
- Relevant subject-matter background preferred: Experience in higher education policy or related fields strongly preferred.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, business administration, law, political science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education tax policy, institutional business operations, government relations, or a closely related area.
- Demonstrated experience engaging with Congress, federal agencies, and/or national policy organizations, including representing organizational positions to external audiences.
- Proven track record of producing high-quality policy analysis and written materials (e.g., issue briefs, comment letters, advocacy resources, or member guidance) and translating complex policy into actionable recommendations.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and collaborating across teams and functions.
Preferred
- Master’s degree, J.D., CPA, or other advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
- Direct experience with federal tax policy, IRS and Treasury regulations, labor or employment law, research compliance, or related higher education business and finance issues.
- Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional teams.
- Background working in or with higher education institutions, associations, or policy/advocacy organizations.
Work Environment
This position works in a professional office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. This position works in a climate-controlled environment, but internal office temperatures may fluctuate.
NACUBO provides flexible telework options. However, because in-person attendance at federal government or other coalition meetings in Washington, DC, periodically is an essential function of this position, residency in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia is required.
Physical Demands
- Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
- To perform the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time regular position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This position may be eligible for an alternate work arrangement (i.e., flextime, telework), please refer to the Employee Handbook for details. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require it.
Travel
Local travel during the business day as needed. Regular out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected for NACUBO and third-party conferences and events.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Other Duties
Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Competitive Benefits
- Healthcare benefits are available with this position.
- Other benefits available include dental and vision.
- Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short- and long-term disability, and access to our employee assistance program (EAP).
- Retirement: Voluntary employee contributions and employer matching.
- Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off.
For best consideration, submit applications by Friday, March 20, 2026.