US ED, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy

Santander•Washington, DC

1d•$240,000 - $400,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 and serves as its principal U.S. point of contact for policy priorities and issues of global significance. 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. The role advises senior leadership on potential business implications and develops and executes advocacy strategies to advance the company’s priorities. As a senior advisor to the U.S. management team, business leaders, and other stakeholders, the position translates complex developments into business-focused advice and represents Santander with policymakers, government officials, regulatory agencies, trade associations, industry coalitions, and other external stakeholders. 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 position is based in Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
15+ years of progressively senior experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory policy, or a related field, including significant engagement with senior government officials and policymakers.
Significant knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory environment and understanding of how public policy affects large, complex organizations.
Established credibility and relationships in the U.S. public policy community, with the 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 ability to connect political, legislative, and regulatory developments to business strategy, commercial priorities, and enterprise risk.
Exceptional judgment, discretion, and political acumen in navigating complex and sensitive issues involving multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to CEOs, senior executives, boards, and other senior decision-makers and provide practical recommendations on complex or rapidly evolving issues.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to distill complex issues into concise 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.
Proactive, hands-on leadership style, with the ability to set strategic direction and maintain 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.

Nice To Haves

Law degree, public policy degree, or other relevant advanced degree.
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.

Responsibilities

Lead Santander’s U.S. Government Relations & Public Policy function and develop and execute a comprehensive U.S. strategy aligned with business objectives, growth priorities, and corporate strategy.
Advise the U.S. CEO, Executive Committee, business leaders, and other senior stakeholders on political, legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and their implications for Santander.
Lead, develop, and manage the established U.S. Government Relations & Public Policy team.
Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with policymakers, government officials, regulatory agencies, and other influential stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels.
Identify emerging legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy issues that may create opportunities or risks, and provide senior leadership timely insight into their strategic and business implications.
Partner with business heads and corporate function leaders to establish Santander’s policy priorities and positions and develop advocacy strategies to advance them.
Represent Santander before policymakers and government officials and in industry forums, coalitions, trade associations, and other external organizations.
Lead Santander’s engagement strategy with Congress, the Administration, relevant federal agencies, and state and local policymakers on material issues.
Lead relationships with financial services trade associations and industry organizations, aligning participation and resource allocation with strategic priorities.
Coordinate with Santander Group’s Global Public Policy team to align on shared issues and ensure effective two-way communication about U.S. and global policy developments.
Coordinate U.S. government official engagement across Santander, ensuring interactions are strategic, consistent, prepared, documented, and aligned with company priorities.
Translate complex policy and political developments into clear, timely, business-focused advice and recommendations for senior leaders, boards, committees, and business partners.
Prepare senior leaders for government, policymaker, and industry engagements, including strategic objectives, key messages, briefing materials, and follow-up actions.
Oversee Santander’s U.S. political engagement strategy, including directing the company’s Political Action Committee (PAC), consistent with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and governance requirements.
Manage external government affairs consultants and advisors as appropriate, focusing support on priority objectives and measurable value.
Keep senior leadership and relevant lines of business informed of significant policy developments and coordinate appropriate internal and external responses.