Director, Congressional Affairs - US Advocacy

Director, Congressional Affairs

Vanguard's Global Public Policy (GPP) function is responsible for managing Vanguard's policymaker relationships and driving our investor-focused policy agenda through advocacy, policy expertise, data-driven thought leadership, and analysis. This position on GPP's Advocacy team will have the opportunity to join a dynamic team built to improve the reach and impact of Vanguard's advocacy efforts, serving as a public policy expert for Vanguard and contributing to the strategic direction of the Global Public Policy agenda.

The Director, Congressional Affairs reports to the Head of U.S. Advocacy and is located in Washington, D.C. The candidate will be responsible for representing Vanguard before Congress in a nonpartisan manner on a variety of issue areas with policymakers in both parties, including on financial services, tax, and retirement policy. Ideal candidates will demonstrate the ability to maintain, create, and broaden effective working relationships with congressional policymakers and staff, relevant outside groups, and key internal Vanguard leaders.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and build a credible, nonpartisan voice on behalf of Vanguard with policymakers in both parties. Demonstrate an ability to influence agendas leveraging relationships, substantive public policy knowledge, and procedure.
• Advocate for Vanguard's policy positions, interests, and the health of the enterprise.
• Develop sophisticated strategies and implement effective tactics to create and advance Vanguard's public policy agenda. Assess and recommend strategies to protect and advocate for the interests of Vanguard and its shareholders.
• Evaluate information based on expert understanding of public policy implications, Vanguard's operating model and business areas, and best practices in communicating with and influencing congressional officials.
• Help manage Vanguard's strategic engagement with policymakers.
• Maintain strong working relationships with key governmental entities, professional and industry trade associations, consultants, thought leaders, and internal stakeholders to understand their approach on areas of focus.
• Help prepare data-based collateral for external meetings as well as briefing materials for senior Vanguard leaders, including the CEO and President, among others.
• Stay abreast of political and policy developments. Provide periodic updates to internal and external audiences.
• Execute effective and timely communication with the business and other stakeholders. Serve as a trusted expert to consult with business leaders on potential impacts.
• Help manage and execute the day-to-day strategy for Vanguard's Political Action Committee.
• Coordinate with the broader Global Public Policy team on issues and advocacy, as appropriate.
• Required to register as a lobbyist for Vanguard.

What It Takes

• Minimum of five years related work experience. Government relations and/or congressional experience required. Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of congressional procedure and relevant public policy issues, particularly related to asset management, financial services generally, retirement, and tax policy, required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, and the ability to communicate complex concepts to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work productively in a communicative, dynamic, and team-oriented work environment.
• Strong political acumen and the ability to grasp complex issues and work collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to work across political parties and ideologies.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Ability to work quickly and independently. Attentive to detail and sensitive to deadlines.

NOTE:

This role will be a hybrid role working 2 days per week from home and 3 days per week in our Washington, DC office location.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.