The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

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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!

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Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized with a 2025 Great Company Culture Award and 2025 Great Place to Work designation!

Job Description:

The Vice President directs the day-to-day operations of ABA’s constituent advocacy programs, including grassroots and grasstops, and plays a key role in shaping advocacy campaigns. This position drives strategy and oversight for grassroots and grasstops advocacy, aligning every initiative with ABA’s policy priorities.

The VP ensures advocacy strategies maximize return on investment and advance ABA’s mission. Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. The position works closely with ABA leadership, state associations, and senior banking executives to strengthen industry involvement in policy advocacy.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategy & Program Development

• Develops and designs strategy to increase policy involvement of ABA member banks and promote advocacy and grassroots programs. 

• Oversees messaging, creative development, and placement for grassroots ads and other advocacy collateral and content as appropriate.

• Leverages insights from focus groups, polling, and other research tools to inform advocacy strategies and enhance message effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders including ABA staff, state associations, volunteer leadership and others to maximize success of advocacy programs.

• Collaborates closely with ABA’s Policy and Communications teams to deliver unified, impactful campaigns.

• Serves as presenter and key staff expert on the importance of policy advocacy at conferences, schools, and internal meetings. 

• Serves as Staff Liaison to the Grassroots Representatives and Bank Ambassadors; recruits and manages volunteer leadership; leads meetings and calls.

• Expand the Bank Ambassadors program to bolster grasstops efforts

Budget & Vendor Management

• Oversees grassroots program budget. 

• Manages vendor relationships to execute program tactics and provide program support.

Measurement & Reporting 

• Develops and reports KPIs for advocacy engagement and program effectiveness. 

Compliance & Governance

• Ensures adherence to all applicable advocacy regulations working in concert with ABA’s Finance team, and internal and outside counsel as appropriate.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Government, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field required.

• ?10+ years’ experience with advocacy, government relations, and/or public policy.

• Experience developing and implementing grassroots advocacy programs on the federal level; additional state and local exposure is a plus.

• Experience with digital advocacy tools and data analytics for measuring engagement.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor small teams.

• Ability to develop strategies to enhance and promote the operations of the organization.

• Exceptional communications skills and ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders across multiple mediums, including in-person and virtual briefings.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to read, understand, and summarize legislation and identify and flag issues relevant to ABA members.

• Demonstrated success in engaging C-Suite leaders and motivating volunteer advocates.

• Ability to work independently when needed and with internal and external staff as required to produce required assignments without direct supervision.

• Knowledge of federal legislative process.

• Large, active personal network within the policy and financial services communities preferred.

• Membership organization experience preferred.

• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 35%)

Target Salary Range: $220,000 - $230,000

Salary Band Range: $175,280.00 - $245,420.00 - $315,560.00

American Bankers Association (ABA) 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.