US ED, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy

Banco Santander SA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 240,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Santander seeks an Executive Director, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy in the United States to drive policy engagement at federal, state, and local levels. You will align policy with business goals and advocate for Santander's priorities with policymakers and industry groups.

The role reports to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and collaborates with the U.S. CEO, executive committee, and global policy teams, traveling as required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior experience in government relations.
• Extensive knowledge of the U.S. federal policy landscape.
• Ability to engage senior policymakers and industry leaders.
• Experience building coalitions and advocacy strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Santander’s government relations and public policy function.
• Advise senior leadership on policy developments and business implications.
• Represent Santander with policymakers, regulators, and trade associations.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies and coalitions.
• Coordinate with Global Public Policy team in Madrid and US leadership.

Skills

Gov relations

Public policy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Executive communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

US ED, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy

Country: United States of America

It Starts With You: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer‑centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

The Difference You Make

The Executive Director, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy leads Santander’s engagement on public policy matters at the federal, state, and local levels in support of the company’s business objectives, growth priorities, and long‑term interests. The role coordinates closely with Santander Group’s Global Public Policy team. The Executive Director develops and leads a proactive government relations and public policy function, identifying and assessing legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy developments affecting Santander and the financial services industry; advising senior leadership on their potential business implications; and developing and executing advocacy strategies to advance the company’s priorities. The role serves as a senior advisor to the U.S. management team, business leaders, and other senior stakeholders on the external policy environment. The Executive Director represents Santander with policymakers, government officials, regulatory agencies, trade associations, industry coalitions, and other key external stakeholders while building relationships that strengthen Santander’s outreach in the U.S. market. The Executive Director must demonstrate exceptional political and policy judgment, established relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders, and the ability to connect complex legislative and regulatory developments to Santander’s strategy and commercial priorities. The individual must be equally effective as a senior external representative, trusted internal advisor, team leader, and hands‑on executive capable of translating strategy into disciplined execution. The role reports to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and works closely with the U.S. CEO, U.S. Executive Committee, business heads, and senior corporate function leaders. The Executive Director also serves as the principal U.S. point of contact for Santander Group’s Global Public Policy team in Madrid, ensuring strong bilateral coordination on policy priorities and issues of global significance across lines of business.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree: in related field or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education - Required Law degree, public policy degree, or other relevant advanced degree.
• Preferred Qualifications: 15+ years of progressively senior experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory policy, or a related field, including significant experience engaging senior government officials and policymakers.
• Required Significant knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory environment and demonstrated understanding of how public policy developments affect the strategy and operations of large, complex organizations. Established credibility and relationships within the U.S. public policy community, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, and trade associations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sophisticated, results‑oriented advocacy strategies and build coalitions around complex policy issues.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to connect political, legislative, and regulatory developments to business strategy, commercial priorities, and enterprise risk.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and political acumen, including the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to CEOs, senior executives, boards, and other senior decision‑makers and to provide clear, practical recommendations on complex or rapidly evolving issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to distill complex issues into concise, compelling executive briefings, advocacy positions, talking points, and recommendations.
• Strong leadership and people‑management capabilities, with demonstrated success building, developing, and leading high‑performing teams.
• Ability to build alignment across businesses and corporate functions in a complex, matrixed global organization.
• A proactive, hands‑on leadership style, with the ability to set strategic direction while maintaining disciplined execution, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure, exercise sound judgment in rapidly changing circumstances, and manage multiple high‑priority issues simultaneously.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• Certifications: No certifications are required for this position.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have

• Experience in financial services or another highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated understanding of how public policy developments affect the strategy and operations of large, complex financial institutions.
• Experience working in a global organization and coordinating with international public policy stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing a corporate Political Action Committee (PAC) and relationships with trade associations, industry coalitions, consultants, and external advisors.

What Else You Need To Know

• Base Pay Range: Minimum: $240,000.00 USD Maximum: $400,000.00 USD
• Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture: We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

The Santander Way Santander is evolving from a global, high‑impact brand into a technology‑driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer‑centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

Ready to make it happen? It starts with you. It starts here.