Director - Government Relations & Public Policy

Director - 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.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:
The Director, Government Relations & Public Policy is responsible for Government Affairs and Congressional outreach efforts in Washington D.C. for Santander U.S. The incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies for Santander U.S. goals focused on Federal efforts and activities, including Congressional activities, advocacy initiatives, lobbying, policy analysis, and internal tracking.

This position is based in Washington, D.C.

• Represents Santander with external constituents as it pertains to this function.
• Coordinates with internal constituents including Legal, Government Affairs, and the Regulatory team members.
• Serves as the chief lobbyist for Santander U.S. federal activities.
• Manages day-to-day aspects of the Washington, D.C. office.
• Stays informed on issues, trends, advocacy developments, and policy opportunities.
• Develops regular reporting for Santander US leadership on DC based initiatives that include public policy developments, advocacy activities, impacts to Santander, and planned actions.
• Evaluates proposed legislation as needed.
• Develops strategy and executes Santander goals regarding government affairs and Congressional outreach.
• Advocates for Santander's legislative and regulatory priorities, represents the company on public policy matters, and facilitates engagement opportunities between company leadership and policymakers.
• Develops, expands, and maintains Company relationships with policy makers, lawmakers, think tanks, and government leaders. Represents Santander with external bodies and will serve as the primary lobbyist for Washington, D.C. based activities.

What You Bring:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree: in related field or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education. - Required
• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent advanced law degree. - Preferred

Qualifications:

• 10+ Years Prior experience in a financial services industry environment, government and/or in the advocacy field. - Required.
• Ability to understand public policy impacts to business lines within Santander U.S.
• Broad legal/regulatory knowledge of banking laws and regulations and deep understanding of the financial services regulatory environment.
• Ability to deliver presentations for senior management, industry trade groups, and lawmakers.
• Knowledge and experience with all lobbying requirements and restrictions.
• Legislative, Regulatory and political environment.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to design, prioritize, and manage several projects at a time under time constraints.
• Excellent relationship management skills and interpersonal oral/written communication skills.

Certifications:

• No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

$153,750.00 USD$255,000.00 USD

 

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized.  You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers.  Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. 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.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.