VP, Director Government & Community Relations

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston is a leading provider of wholesale funding for housing and community finance in New England serving more than 420 financial institutions across the region. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston is committed to making New England a better place to live and do business, and our employees are integral to our success. As a cooperative, we are owned by more than 420 banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions that access tens of billions of dollars of our reliable, wholesale funding each year. Our funds are a vital resource that helps our members succeed, provide families with safe, decent affordable housing, and generate economic development that creates jobs in communities throughout our region.

Our highly skilled team of 200 is diverse, innovative, collaborative, and passionate about the work we do. We seek other professionals excited to share their knowledge, talent, and passion for our mission to join our team. We offer opportunities for career development, robust benefits, and a work-life balance.

Position Summary

Represent the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's interests with government officials and other stakeholders. Promote the long-term viability of the Bank through communication and engagement efforts that broaden and strengthen support for the Bank and the FHLBank System under the direction of the General Counsel. Develop and execute strategies, goals, and objectives that positively influence the Bank's future environment, including a favorable governmental and legislative environment.

Develop and maintain relationships with government officials and their staffs in Washington, D.C. and in New England and with member (bank, credit union, and insurance company) trade associations (national and local). Assist in the development of the Bank's advocacy strategy and message. Work with member trade associations, member institutions, and others in carrying out the Bank's government relations agenda, and to understand those stakeholders' policy positions. Coordinate with appropriate Bank staff in the development and execution of Bank-sponsored or member/community group sponsored events.

This role is required to frequently travel around New England and periodically to Washington D.C.

This role will have a hybrid work schedule in our Boston office in accordance with the Bank's Hybrid Work Program. More time will be encouraged in the office to support onboarding initially.

Specific Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the General Counsel, develop, implement, and manage the Bank's congressional outreach plan, and serve as primary liaison for the Bank's legislative activities (federal and state). Work with Corporate Communications to inform the preparation of all legislatively directed materials including testimony and ensure the materials accurately convey the Bank's positions. Frequently collaborate and coordinate with the FHLBank Washington D.C.-based trade association, the Council of FHLBanks. Enhance the understanding of the major issues affecting the Bank by key constituencies in Washington D.C., including members of the New England congressional delegation and their staffs, members of the House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees and their staffs, and other key policymakers in Washington D.C. Develop and maintain relationships within Congress, the Administration, and the federal and state regulators to facilitate outreach activities.

• Serve as primary contact to congressional staff, including handling inquiries from congressional sources, and provide a channel for the systematic notification of elected officials regarding relevant Bank activities. Create and facilitate opportunities for members of Congress, other public officials, and their staffs to meet with Bank staff. Solicit attendance of these individuals at appropriate events, including affordable housing and community development related ceremonies and Bank meetings.

• Develop speaking points and presentations for various Bank speakers to deliver for a wide range of events.

• Establish and build solid relationships in federal, state, and local levels of government throughout New England, and inform policymakers and their staffs about Bank activities and positions on legislative and policy matters in accordance with guidance from the Bank. Seek opportunities for collaboration on mission-related projects, and report back to appropriate Bank staff.

• Maintain a report that tracks relevant state and federal elected and appointed officials. Maintain a database of key members of congress and their staff members, as well as key staff members of House and Senate Committees with jurisdiction over the Federal Home Loan Bank System on bank and housing matters. Identify opportunities to educate congressional and other public officials' staffs on the Bank's behalf.

• Attend and/or ensure coverage of key congressional hearings and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) meetings. Serve on relevant FHLBank System and Council of FHLBanks subcommittees.

• Anticipate the direction and scope of future legislative action. Identify issues of major concern that are determined or significantly influenced by factors outside the Bank. Contribute to the Bank's development of policy positions on legislative matters, including comment letters from Bank management. Ensure that Bank plans and actions are sensitive to external concerns by identifying both positive and negative ramifications of Bank decisions.

• Maintain relationships with key organizations in New England, such as The New England Council and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, as appropriate and as pertaining to the Bank's interests and concerns, including through service on committees and/or boards of such organizations. Represent/ensure representation of the Bank at targeted civic outreach and charitable events and activities. Initiate and maintain contacts with and monitor the policy positions of public interest groups, industry organizations, and housing-related entities and others to make known and gain acceptance of Bank policies, programs, stakeholders, and needs.

• Actively supports the Bank's strategy to leverage Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a long-term strategic priority.

Education

• Degree in political science, public policy, communications, psychology, or a related field, preferred or equivalent work experience.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in government and community relations and/or working in a congressional office, preferably on financial and housing-related issues.

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated relationship management skills with established relationships relevant to the Bank's business needs.

• Knowledge of the Federal Home Loan Bank System highly desirable.

• Effective presentation skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to translate a message for relevancy to stakeholders are critical to success.

• Driver's license and consistent, reliable access to a vehicle for travel are required.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston is committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities that we serve. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage applicants from every ethnicity, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran or parental status and sexual orientation.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time