Director, Government Affairs

Summary of the Opportunity

The Financial Services Forum (Forum) seeks an experienced government relations professional to advocate on behalf of trade association members before the Administration, Congress, and government agencies. The successful candidate will be a member of a small Government Affairs group and work closely with the Forum’s public affairs and policy research groups.

The Organization

The Forum is an economic policy and advocacy organization whose members are the eight largest and most diversified financial institutions headquartered in the United States. The Forum promotes policies that support savings and investment, financial inclusion, deep and liquid capital markets, a competitive global marketplace, and a sound financial system.

As the lead advocacy organization for the largest US global banks, the Forum supports CEO member engagement with top policymakers, establishes and coordinates large global bank priorities for purposes of advocacy and messaging, and provides thought leadership and a strong and credible industry voice on its policy agenda.

The Government Affairs Group

The Government Affairs group is responsible for defining, supporting, and furthering the trade association’s legislative and regulatory agenda and public policy initiatives through education and personal contacts with Administration personnel, legislators, and their staff. The Government Affairs group’s primary mission is to support public policies that promote members’ business goals and oppose those that would restrict their businesses or result in a competitive disadvantage for their customers or industry.

The Government Affairs group accomplishes this by leveraging the Forum’s and members’ business expertise and understanding of the industry, the economy and local markets, as well as the Forum’s strong commitment to educate legislators on complex financial issues.

Role Description

As a member of a small advocacy group, you will work in a collaborative environment that results in thoughtful development of consistent policies and developed priorities. In this role, you will assist Forum leadership to set strategy and execute various initiatives. Moreover, you will work collaboratively alongside Forum members’ Washington, D.C. offices and staff at other trade associations to which members belong.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders to ensure they are apprised of Forum members’ positions on key issues.
• Assist in the development of public policy positions as well as the design and execution of legislative and political advocacy strategies to advance public policy priorities.
• Develop a deep understanding of Forum members’ businesses, products, strategy, and management structure.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Forum members’ government relations, public affairs, and policy research staff.
• Participate in the collection, interpretation, and analysis of information on federal public policy, legislative, regulatory, or other political developments.
• Advise the Forum’s CEO and staff of federal public policy developments and potential implications that may affect members.
• Identify important allies and critics of Forum members and assist public affairs and policy research staff in the development of an effective outreach approach.
• Research and draft memos, one pagers, and other materials needed for Forum members, Hill advocacy, or board meetings.
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act filings.

Competencies

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand, distill, and communicate complicated policy issues or financial topics to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and assignments and keep team members informed of progress.
• Ability to confidently engage with policymakers and professionals within member firms.
• Ability to be a flexible and positive team player.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a 4-year college degree, with an advanced degree preferred, and 5+ years of experience as Congressional or federal agency staff or federal government relations professional. Applicants should also have demonstrated experience managing complex financial services industry public policy issues and working collaboratively with large financial services companies and trade associations.

Reporting Relationship

This position will report to the Head of Government Affairs.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $175,000 to $220,000. Additionally, the Forum provides a generous benefit package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with matching contribution, FSA/HSA, and paid time off.

Work Environment

This position is based in a professional environment in Washington, D.C. and requires work to be performed within the Forum’s office or in accordance with any remote work policy that may be offered by the Forum. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones, in addition to virtual meeting platforms such as MS Teams and Zoom. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Persons with mental or physical disabilities as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act are eligible for this position if they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position.

The Financial Services Forum provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals. We do not discriminate based on race, color, genetic information, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, marital status, citizenship status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, political affiliation of any individual, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The above-referenced job description is a guideline designed to present an overview of the position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of responsibilities and requirements.

HR Contact

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls, please.