VP, Congressional Relations

ABA - American Bankers Association; United States; On-site; USD 225,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Great Place to Work recognition

Job summary

American Bankers Association seeks a senior leader to support its Congressional Relations effort. The VP will work with the EVP and bipartisan peers to foster relationships with Members of Congress, staff, and committees important to banking policy in the United States.

The role advocates for favorable legislative outcomes and requires travel of about 15–20%. The position is based in Washington, DC, offering competitive compensation and a full benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public policy, government, communications, or related field.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to inform and persuade diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across policy and legislative contexts.
• Proven decision-making and judgment with analytical thinking.
• Experience working in bipartisan, regulatory or legislative environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advance ABA’s federal legislative agenda by building relationships with House members and staff.
• Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders to build coalitions for ABA priorities.
• Shape legislative strategy through internal collaboration and policy initiatives.
• Advise ABA executives for meetings with policymakers and industry events.
• Lead political engagement including fundraising events for ABA’s PAC.
• Represent ABA publicly with credible legislative updates at events and programs (15–20% travel).

Skills

presentation skills

verbal communication

written communication

decision making

analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public policy, government, communications, or related field

Job description

Want to work for a great Organization? The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion. Joining ABA makes you part of a team that:

• has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry.
• has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared.
• is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results.

Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

Employer of Choice: Recognized year after year as a Great Place to Work, ABA is also a proud recipient of the Great Company Culture Award!

Job Description:

The Vice President (VP) serves in a senior capacity, supporting ABA’s Congressional Relations effort. This position works closely with the Executive Vice President and a group of bipartisan peers, to foster relationships with members of Congress, their staff and committees of importance to the banking industry. The VP is responsible for advocating and achieving favorable legislative outcomes for the banking industry in the United States Congress.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advance ABA’s federal legislative agenda by building and maintaining strategic relationships with assigned Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, congressional staff, and relevant committee staff.
• Cultivate and leverage relationships with key external stakeholders, including bankers, state association executives, government relations professionals, and national trade associations, to build coalitions and advance ABA’s legislative priorities.
• Help shape legislative strategy and policy priorities through active participation in internal working groups and cross-functional initiatives.
• Advise and prepare ABA executives, key stakeholders, and members for meetings with policymakers, testimony, speaking engagements, and industry events.
• Lead political engagement for assigned members of Congress, including representing ABA at and hosting congressional fundraising events on behalf of ABA’s political action committee.
• Speak on behalf of ABA in public settings, delivering legislative and political updates as part of ABA programming, congressional and political events, and other relevant industry events, requiring approximately 15–20% travel.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public policy, government, communications, or related field.
• At least 11 years of congressional experience.
• Experience working in a Democratic congressional office in a legislative capacity and/or a financial trade association or financial services-related industry strongly preferred.
• Ability to work collegially and respectfully in an inclusive and bipartisan environment.
• Thorough understanding of the congressional legislative process and procedures.
• Experience working on banking legislation or within the financial services industry strongly preferred.
• Ability to advocate effectively on ABA's legislative priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to convey complex banking concepts into brief, easily understood concepts for Members of Congress and their staff.
• Strong decision-making and judgment paired with a solid foundation of analytical and strategic thinking.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to influence others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to have constructive dialogue with those in opposition to ABA’s positions.
• Knowledge of political fundraising guidelines and practices.
• Ability to travel (up to 20%).

Target compensation for role: $225,000.00 – $240,000.00 Salary Band Range: $175,280.00 - $245,420.00 - $315,560.00

American Bankers Association is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The American Bankers Association is the voice of America’s banks—the small, midsize, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million women and men and help drive America's economy. Please join us and become a part of a rapidly transforming industry that drives growth and innovation at home and around the world.