State and Local Government Relations Manager

Opportunity Overview

The State and Local Government Relations Manager plays a pivotal role in the External Affairs Department of Edward Jones by managing public policy matters, regulatory issues, and government relations at the state and local levels. This position involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance the firm’s strategic initiatives while advocating for its interests in policy-making processes.

This opportunity will afford the successful candidate the ability to be part of a culture that inspires and supports the individual and allows them to be part of a team focused on advancing our purpose.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop public policy priorities to accelerate the firm’s purpose.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to create and manage strategy that advances our public policy agenda at the state and local level.
• Educate and support Edward Jones associates to effectively advocate at the state and local levels to ensure the firm’s policy positions are effectively communicated to stakeholders, as well as elected and appointed officials.
• Establish and foster strong relationships with thought leaders and policymakers who impact state and local activities.
• Develop and monitor processes for the firm’s public policy agenda, including legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Advocate for firm positions at hearings, conferences, and other public forums.
• Work with trade associations, policymaker organizations, and other third parties to build coalitions that advance firm policy priorities at the state and local levels.
• Analyze policy-related materials and produce related media advocacy resources, including messaging points, hearing testimony, comment letters, grassroots information, and other advocacy materials for engagement at the state and local levels.
• Provide strategic advice to market management and key business stakeholders about relevant and adjacent activities at the state and local levels.

Position Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of government relations experience.
• Direct experience working with local officials, state legislators, and state-wide elected officials.
• Direct experience with multi-state lobbying and coalition building is preferred.
• Knowledge of financial services issues, including tax, securities, and retirement policy, is preferred.

What Will Set You Apart

• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Able to persuasively communicate complex issues in a clear and concise manner.
• Skilled at influencing and respectfully communicating with colleagues, policymakers, and other key stakeholders, including trade association partners and third-party advocacy organizations.
• Able to work well in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to a changing policy landscape and unplanned needs.

Candidate MUST be able to travel based on needs of the business.

Company Description

Join a financial services firm where your contributions are valued. Edward Jones is a Fortune 500¹ company where people come first. With over 9 million clients and 20,000 financial advisors across the U.S. and Canada, we’re proud to be privately owned, placing the focus on our clients rather than shareholder returns.

Behind everything we do is our purpose: We partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. We are an innovative, flexible, and inclusive organization that attracts, develops, and inspires performance excellence and a sense of belonging.

People are at the center of our partnership. Edward Jones associates are seen, heard, respected, and supported. This is what we believe makes us the best place to start or build your career.

Learn more here