Director – Governmental & Public Affairs

Job Details

Description

Position Purpose

The Director of Governmental & Public Affairs plays a key role in strategizing and leading REV’s political advocacy efforts across local, state, and federal levels. This role will develop and execute strategies to influence public policy, strengthen relationships with key legislators and officials, and enhance the organization’s reputation within the community. The Director of Governmental & Public Affairs will serve as the primary liaison to credit union’s leagues and trade associations within the states REV serves and ensure alignment on advocacy initiatives and legislative priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assumes responsibility for leading REV’s political advocacy and government relations:

• Develops and implements a multi-state strategy to advance REV specific interests on the state and federal level.
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on legislative and regulatory development that impact REV and the credit union industry.
• Builds and maintains relationships with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and key government officials to influence policy decisions.
• Prepares and delivers testimony, position statements, and policy recommendations before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates grassroots advocacy efforts, including mobilizing employees, members, and stakeholders to engage in the legislative process.
• Manages and oversees any applicable political action (PAC) contributions and fundraising activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Assumes responsibility for partnership with credit union associations, leagues, and industry groups:

• Serves as the primary liaison to various trade associations and coalitions to advance credit union industry and REV priorities.
• Represents REV at credit union conferences, meetings, and advocacy events and serves as a spokesperson for REV on policy-related matters, ensuring alignment with advocacy goals.

Assumes responsibility for collaboration with applicable personnel on communications and public relations:

• Develops messaging and communication strategies to support public policy initiatives and advocacy campaigns.
• Drafts press releases, op-eds, and policy briefs to influence public discourse on key legislative and regulatory issues.
• Coordinates with internal marketing and communication teams to ensure consistent messaging on advocacy priorities.
• Manages crisis communications related to public affairs and governmental relations issues.

Assumes responsibility for applicable compliance and reporting:

• Ensures all lobbying and political activities comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintains accurate records of lobbying activities, PAC contributions, and advocacy-related expenditures.
• Prepares reports and presentations for the Strategic Management Team and the Board of Directors on advocacy progress and impact.
• Assumes responsibilities for related duties as required or assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

Education/Certification & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, public administration, business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience working in governmental relations, public affairs, or political advocacy, preferably within the financial services or credit union industry.
• Experience working with state and federal legislators, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and federal levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent REV externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively with key employees, leaders, and vendors.
• Proven ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Proven strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate and respond to legislative and regulatory challenges.
• Highly skilled at identifying trends and developments that could result in strategic opportunities.
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance in all advocacy and political activities.
• Proven ability to write reports, assessments, procedures, and policies.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to conduct financial and business analyses.
• Proven ability to solve advanced problems and deal with a variety of options in complex situations.
• Proven strong Microsoft Office Suite product skills and project management software skills.

Work Environment & Travel

• Frequent travel required up to 30% or more.
• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend events, including legislative meetings and advocacy initiatives.

Qualifications

Behaviors (Preferred)

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group.
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity.
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest.

Motivations (Preferred)

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility.
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks.
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Learn more here