Vice President of Government Relations

Job Overview The Vice President of Government Relations serves as the MBA's principal advocate before the Maine Legislature and relevant state agencies. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role requiring a seasoned professional who can build and sustain relationships with legislators, regulators, and key stakeholders while developing and executing legislative strategies that advance Maine's banking sector. The VP of Government Relations reports to the President and plays a central role in shaping the policy agenda for the Association. Responsibilities Monitor, analyze, and track legislation before the Maine Legislature that affects the banking industry, providing timely and actionable intelligence to MBA leadership and member banks. Develop and execute legislative strategies to advance policy priorities that enhance the ability of Maine's banks to serve their customers and communities. Build and maintain productive working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, regulators and relevant state agencies, including the Bureau of Financial Institutions. Represent MBA in testimony before legislative committees, advocating clearly and effectively for member interests. Represent MBA with the Maine Business Association Roundtable, Maine State Chamber, Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention and other organizations. Educate lawmakers and their staff on the role of banks in Maine's economy, emerging issues in financial services, and the potential impact of proposed legislation. Coordinate with MBA member banks to gather grassroots input, mobilize banker engagement with their local legislators, and build a strong coalition voice. Collaborate with national trade associations — including the American Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of America — to align Maine's advocacy with broader industry positions where appropriate. Manage the MBA's political action committee (PAC), ensuring full compliance with Maine state PAC and campaign finance reporting requirements and attend fundraising events. Ensure compliance with Maine lobbying registration and disclosure requirements, including timely and accurate filing of all required reports. Prepare legislative summaries, policy briefs, and member communications to keep MBA member banks informed of relevant developments. Serve as a resource to member banks by responding to questions regarding legislative, regulatory, and compliance matters. Support the President and Board of Directors in developing and refining the MBA's annual government relations priorities. Manage MBA's Legislative Committee with the committee chair. Prepare agendas, organize meetings, and support the committee with meeting resources. Serve as staff liaison for several other MBA banker committees and coordinate their semiannual meetings. Qualifications Required 7 or more years of experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or a directly related field. Demonstrated experience working with the Maine state legislature in Augusta, either as staff, a lobbyist, or in an advocacy role on behalf of an organization or industry. Familiarity with Maine's legislative process, including committee structure, session timelines, and the rulemaking process. Knowledge of Maine's lobbying registration, disclosure, and reporting requirements, and PAC compliance obligations under Maine law. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, while also functioning as a collaborative team member within a small staff environment. Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building trust-based relationships with elected officials, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Automobile and valid driver's license for regular travel within the State of Maine. Preferred J.D., M.B.A., Master of Public Policy, or equivalent advanced degree. Experience advocating on behalf of a trade association, industry group, or membership organization. Background in banking, financial services, or financial services regulation and policy. Existing relationships within Maine's legislative and regulatory community. If you're a strategic leader with a passion for public policy and making an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

$125,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Westbrook, ME 04092