Government & Community Affairs Manager
About this role
General Information
Primary Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Employee Status: Full-Time
Workplace Type: In Person
Travel Requirements: Locally and within Michigan 25%-50% of time. Occasional out of state travel to Florida and Washington DC when necessary.
Who we are:
At LMCU, you'll find more than just a job - discover a fulfilling career where your contributions truly matter. Join our talented team at Lake Michigan Credit Union and discover the difference an employer who puts people first can make in your career and life.
About this position:
Reporting to the Vice President of Community Relations, the Government & Community Affairs Manager plays a critical role in storytelling and advocacy through engagement and relationship-building on behalf of LMCU. They will monitor, inform, and influence the regulatory and legislative environment in which LMCU operates.
The Government & Community Affairs Manager will develop and execute strategies to engage government officials, policymakers, civic and community organizations, and industry partners, including the Michigan Credit Union League, The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates (Florida Association), and America's Credit Unions. They will proactively monitor and plan for regulatory and legislative impacts. They will communicate relevant developments to LMCU leaders and advance coordinated advocacy priorities that enhance the credit union's reputation and influence on behalf of our members.
This role will monitor legislative and regulatory activities, analyze policy and political trends, cultivate relationships with key public and community officials, regulators, and other strategic stakeholders, represent LMCU before government and community audiences, actively participate in state and national credit union league initiatives, and engage with other strategic partners as needed. Primary responsibilities will center on Michigan, with periodic travel and engagement in Washington, D.C., for federal advocacy and collaboration, and in Florida to support LMCU's legislative, regulatory, and community affairs priorities.
What you’ll do:
Advocacy and Government Relations
- Engage with government officials, policymakers, and legislators of all parties to advocate for the Credit Union and our members, including drafting issue and position papers, developing and delivering presentations, and participating in industry coalitions.
- Network, develop, and maintain positive relationships with local, state, and federal government agency appointed and elected officials and their offices/staff members to promote and inform policies that advance LMCU and the industry’s core objectives.
- Coordinate with industry trade associations such as the MCUL and LSCU to best represent the Credit Union and industry’s interests.
- Actively participate in local, state, and federal activities where LMCU��s presence could be beneficial.
- Inform and invite key internal leadership and stakeholders to where their presence can be beneficial and is necessary.
- Plan and participate in advocacy events, hearings, and briefings to promote LMCU's policy positions and enhance the organization's visibility with key stakeholders and lawmakers and their staff.
- Represent LMCU in meetings, office visits, and at industry and community events.
Policy Development and Analysis
- Formulate policy recommendations to promote the interests of LMCU and its members.
- Conduct important legislative research and analysis to inform and support our advocacy efforts.
- Monitor policy developments within issues relevant to the Credit Union and issue timely analysis to leadership.
- Proactively identify emerging issues and challenges in the credit union/financial services industry.
- Develop and implement strategies to address and inform these issues.
- Track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the Credit Union’s interests and operations, regularly reporting their potential impact to relevant internal stakeholders.
- Analyze technical problems and issues, identify credit union impacts, and provide political expertise on legislative and regulatory challenges.
Strategic Planning and Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute a government affairs strategy.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams, including regulatory, industry policy, and communications, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to informing policy and proactively inform impacts.
- Invite and promote internal awareness of LMCU advocacy efforts and how staff can engage and support where appropriate.
- In close partnership with Credit Union leadership and the legal and compliance teams, ensure that all advocacy efforts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Community Relations
- Build and maintain relationships that support LMCU’s reputation and policy priorities.
- Support the Community Relations team in event support and representing LMCU in key spaces.
Compliance and Ethical Standards
- Maintain a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations related to Credit Union compliance, including Bank Secrecy and anti-money laundering laws appropriate to the position.
- Ensure that all advocacy efforts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Adhere to and champion our core values of curious minds, collaborative hearts, and continuous excellence
- Must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
What you’ll bring:
- Minimum of five years of experience in legislative, government relations, lobbying, or related fields.
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, legal, communications, economics or related field of study, or related experience.
- External contacts are vital, not only for the success of the position, but the success of the company overall.
- In-depth knowledge, experience, and/or familiarity of the financial services and credit union industry preferred. This includes a strong understanding of the legislative process, regulatory environment, and political landscape related to the credit union industry and financial services.
- Knowledge, understanding, and experience working on public policy, and with local and state government processes and interactions. This includes strong relationships and experience with navigating and understanding state politics and legislative processes.
- Ability to travel locally and within the state 25%-50% of time, with occasional out of state travel to Florida and Washington DC when necessary. The ability to work extended hours as needed.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to distill complex issues. Must communicate effectively and persuasively with all levels of the Credit Union and with external stakeholders.
- Exceptional relationship manager with the ability to quickly build rapport, gain trust, and establish cooperation with high level officials, credit union members, other advocacy representatives and diverse stakeholders.
- Motivating others or getting them to do things that they might not do otherwise is a key to success for incumbents in this position.
- Knowledge of retail and consumer banking issues.
- Solid understanding of financial services and business issues.
- Work frequently involves extensive personal contact with the Board of Directors, community leaders, business leaders, and internal senior level managers.
- The ability to thrive in a non-partisan environment and adapt to changing circumstances. A proactive, collaborative attitude and ability to independently manage competing priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, strategic thinking, policy acumen, and strong work ethic.
What you’ll get:
- All Employees: weekly pay and retirement savings options.
- Full-Time Employees: comprehensive health coverage including medical (with prescription), dental, vision, HSA match, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
- To see a full list of our benefit offerings, check out this helpful guide!
Have additional questions about the role? Email the Talent Acquisition Team at: Careers@lmcu.org.
If you lack access to the internet or require an accommodation in the application process, please send your resume via mail to P.O. Box 2848, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2848.