Federal Government Relations

The Director of Federal Government Relations reports to the Vice President for Government and Community Relations and works collaboratively within that office to engage the Northern Virginia community and state and federal policymakers on George Mason University’s critical role in building the skills and new knowledge necessary for the region’s economic prosperity. The Director monitors, reviews, reports, and advises on authorization and appropriations legislation, develops legislative proposals and amendments, and interacts with members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agency officials. The Director arranges meetings between George Mason University faculty and administrators and federal policymakers; drafts letters, statements, and testimony; collaborates in organizing a communications strategy; and networks with other academic societies, organizations, and higher education associations to advance Mason’s interests in building a global research university.

The Director works closely with the Provost to advance the academic mission of the university. The Director monitors and interacts with the Department of Education, the House Education and Workforce Committee, and the Senate HELP Committee on issues impacting higher education. The Director also works collaboratively with the Vice President of Research and the deans of the various colleges to draw support for areas where Mason’s strengths in basic, applied, and translational research can be leveraged by federal policymakers for maximum impact to build the nation’s innovation and technological advancement. In building this support, the Director focuses on the primary funding agencies and corresponding appropriations and authorizing committees in Congress, including DoD, NSF, DHS, NASA, NIH, and USAID. Additionally, the Director works to prevent federal legislation or agency regulations from imposing additional undue burdens on the university community, and to advocate for student aid programs that serve the Mason community.

Federal Government Relations Key Facts Pocket Card

George Mason University Federal Government Relations Key Facts Pocket Card