Senior Manager: Government Approvals

Mayer Brown•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mayer Brown is an international law firm that represents major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in complex transactions and disputes. The firm prides itself on being a collegial, collaborative environment where motivated individuals can grow and thrive. This position is in the Finance department in the Washington, D.C. office. The Senior Manager: Government Approvals will manage nationwide licensing approvals with state and federal governments for clients engaging in various financial activities, including mortgage banking, brokering, servicing, debt collection, consumer finance, reverse mortgage, and money transmitter business. A key focus will be on federal agency approval work for M&A transactions and Financial Services licensing. The role also involves assisting clients in navigating evolving financial stability requirements from federal agencies and state laws. This position will oversee the work and performance of direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience directly related to the job functions.
10+ years of experience required.
NMLS experience required.
Knowledge of the relevant nationwide statutes and regulations applicable to federal agency approvals and state licensing for residential mortgage lending is necessary.
Experience in government sponsored enterprise and federal agency investor reporting and remitting requirements.
Experience with accounting, finance, and securitization requirements applicable to mortgage companies and other consumer lenders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors.
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative.
Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects.
Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Interpersonal Skills – strong customer service and team player skills to ensure that customers are assisted in a friendly and professional manner, and collaboration, flexibility, efficiency are applied.
Consistently exercise discretion and sound reasoning abilities.
Knowledge of the relevant nationwide statutes and regulations applicable to licensing is necessary.
Quality Control – monitor own work to ensure high quality standards are met.
Demonstrated administrative skills necessary for effective oversight of projects, including coordination of work/processes, and the ability to listen and counsel while demonstrating confidentiality and resourcefulness.

Nice To Haves

May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
May require travel to other offices as needed.

Responsibilities

Assists clients with obtaining approvals from state and federal government agencies for mortgage banking and consumer finance activities.
Reviews and analyzes business activities to determine appropriate federal approvals and state licensing requirements.
Manages transactions requiring regulatory approvals for mergers, stock acquisitions, and asset acquisitions.
Creates and updates status charts, task lists, and outlines to track regulatory approvals for transactions, ensuring timely acquisition by closing dates.
Researches statutes and regulations under mortgage banking and consumer finance laws, summarizing findings in written reports.
Prepares letters and advance change notice narrative summaries detailing transactions for required federal approvals and license applications, submitted to state agencies via NMLS and externally.
Assists clients with GSE and government agency reporting and remitting requirements.
Helps clients navigate changing financial stability requirements set forth in federal agency requirements and state laws and regulations.
Contacts federal and state regulators to obtain approvals, monitors filing statuses, and seeks clarification on agency positions or policies.
Develops and maintains strong working relationships with federal and state regulators, GSE contacts, and CSBS staff.
Assists with federal agency re-certifications and related enforcement matters.
Independently manages projects, leads status calls, and reports to the Assistant Director, Government Affairs Advisor, and Partners overseeing federal approvals and licensing.
Directly interacts with clients with limited supervision on various matters, provided an attorney is present or participating in discussions involving legal advice.
Manages the work of other Senior Government Approvals Analysts, tracks project assignments, assigns work, and conducts annual performance reviews.
Handles administrative duties, including attendance record-keeping for direct reports and compliance with internal processes for overtime approval, leave balances, time off requests, flex time use, and Kastle reports.
Participates in meetings with CSBS for the Nationwide Multi-State Licensing System (NMLS) Industry Development Working Group (IDWG), including system testing.
Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.