Opportunity OverviewThis position is based in WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Director - Government Relations (Financial Planning Lobbyist) is responsible for setting and executing the firm's federal and multi-state advocacy strategy on financial services and banking policy. This role serves as a senior representative of the firm before Congress, federal financial regulators, state legislatures, governors' offices, and state regulatory authorities. The position provides strategic counsel to executive leadership on legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities and ensures coordinated advocacy across jurisdictions. The role exercises significant independent judgment and discretion with material impact on enterprise risk, reputation, and long-term business strategy.
What you'll do:- Set and execute the firm's overall federal and state government relations strategy related to banking, capital markets, consumer finance, and financial regulation.
- Serve as a senior spokesperson and representative of the firm in direct engagement with members of Congress, senior congressional staff, federal regulators, governors' offices, and state legislative leadership.
- Anticipate and assess emerging legislative and regulatory trends; advise executive leaders on strategic implications, risks, and response options.
- Lead development of firm policy positions, including approval of comment letters, testimony, model legislation, and regulatory advocacy priorities.
- Direct and coordinate multi-state advocacy efforts, including coalition strategy, preemption issues, and regulatory alignment across jurisdictions.
- Oversee relationships with industry trade associations, advocacy coalitions, and external lobbying firms to maximize influence and consistency.
- Partner closely with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and business leaders to ensure advocacy positions align with enterprise strategy and risk tolerance.
- Guide political engagement strategies, including issue advocacy and permissible political activity, ensuring compliance with all ethics and disclosure requirements.
- Provide regular briefings to senior leadership and, as appropriate, the board or board-level committees on public policy developments.
- Mentor and provide strategic direction to junior government relations staff or project teams, where applicable.
- Lead complex, high-impact advocacy strategies with limited guidance
- Influence senior government officials and regulators at the highest levels
- Evaluate competing policy outcomes and recommend enterprise-level strategies
- Balance business objectives, regulatory risk, and reputational considerations
- Represent the firm with credibility, confidence, and discretion in public forums
Position RequirementsWhat you'll need: - Bachelor's Degree in political science or economics
- 15+ years of experience with expert knowledge of U.S. federal legislative and regulatory processes
- Strong knowledge of state legislative and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions
- Deep understanding of banking, financial services, capital markets, and consumer financial regulation
- Knowledge of lobbying, ethics, and political activity compliance requirements
What will set you apart:- Master's Degree
- In-depth familiarity with federal financial regulators (Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, CFPB, SEC)
- Established knowledge of state banking departments, attorneys general, and financial regulatory agencies
- Advanced understanding of regulatory preemption, coordination, and multi-jurisdictional risk
Salary InformationEdward Jones' compensation and benefits package includes medical and prescription drug, dental, vision, voluntary benefits (such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness), short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage. Short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage are provided at no cost to associates. Edward Jones offers a 401k retirement plan, and tax-advantaged accounts: health savings account, and flexible spending account. Edward Jones observes ten paid holidays and provides 15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year, as well as sick time, personal days, and a paid day for volunteerism. Associates may be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing. All associates are eligible for the firm's Employee Assistance Program. For more information on the Benefits available to Edward Jones associates, please visit our benefits page.
