Government Relations Officer

About the role

FHLBank Indianapolis is a bank for banks, credit unions, community development financial institutions, and insurers across Indiana and Michigan. Our core mission is to provide reliable and readily available liquidity to member institutions to support housing finance and community development. We also assist in meeting the economic and housing needs of communities and families through grants and subsidized advances that support affordable housing and economic development.

The Government Relations Officer oversees the Bank’s government relations activities, including federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect the Bank, its members, and the FHLBank System. This role develops and leads the Bank’s government relations strategy across federal, state, and System matters; advises executive leadership and the Board on policy priorities; and builds effective relationships with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, industry coalitions, and community partners to advance the Bank’s mission and business interests.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid workforce model: onsite three days a week, two days remote, plus remote flex days
• Industry-high 401(k) match: up to 6% plus an additional 4% contribution
• Tuition reimbursement assistance
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance
• Generous time off: vacation, paid federal holidays, birthday month floating holiday, volunteer day, and summer hours program
• “Dress for your day” dress code

Job Summary

Develops and leads the Bank’s government relations strategy across federal, state, and System matters; advises executive leadership and the Board on policy priorities; and builds effective relationships with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, industry coalitions, and community partners to advance the Bank’s mission and business interests.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Bank’s government relations strategy by identifying priority legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues and recommending Bank positions and advocacy strategies to the CEO, General Counsel, executive leadership, and Board.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on federal, state, local, and System developments affecting the Bank, its members, and the FHLBank System, including potential timing, impact, and recommended actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, state officials, regulators, trade associations, industry coalitions, housing organizations, and community partners in Washington, D.C. and the Bank’s District (Indiana and Michigan); ensure the Bank and applicable stakeholders are aware of related networking and/or outreach opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives that communicate the Bank’s public policy priorities, District impact, and role within the FHLBank System.
• Prepare and deliver briefings, reports, and legislative or public affairs materials for the CEO, General Counsel, senior management, Board of Directors, and Board committees, as needed.
• Represent the Bank in coordination with the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, other FHLBank Government Relations Officers, external legislative resources, communications staff, and Legal Department colleagues.
• Support responses to FHFA or other regulatory information requests and assist the CEO and General Counsel with related initiatives and special projects, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with Corporate Communications, Business Development, and Community Investment departments to develop consistent messaging, impact data, event support, and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance the Bank’s government relations priorities.
• Manage Congressional Outreach Strategist.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the financial services industry required; considerable knowledge of the FHLBank System strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy recommendations, assess legislative and regulatory risk, and translate complex issues into actionable advice for executive leadership and the Board.
• Established experience cultivating policymakers, regulators, industry organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders whose decisions or influence may affect the Bank.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, local, and trade association processes relevant to public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, and financial services advocacy.
• Ability to coordinate Systemwide and District-level strategies transparently with the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, other Federal Home Loan Banks, and internal Bank partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior executives and directors and prepare materials on legislative, regulatory, and public affairs matters.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, business, public policy, or a related field required; advanced degree in law (J.D.) or business (MBA) strongly desired.
• Working knowledge of state and federal lobbying laws, ethics rules, and related compliance requirements.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible advocacy, government relations, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, or public affairs experience, preferably in financial services.
• Superior analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the judgment to advise senior leaders and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of political, legislative, and regulatory processes, including the ability to frame and present the Bank’s interests in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to promote the Bank’s nonpartisan mission and represent the Bank before elected officials, regulators, the public, media, member institutions, trade associations, and other constituencies.
• Ability to work as part of a broad team and leverage trusted, transparent partnerships to advance Bank and FHLBank System priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, work under pressure, and interact effectively with all levels within the Bank, along with the ability to work weekends and evenings when necessary to meet job duties and responsibilities.
• Must not have been convicted of any civil or criminal charge that would suggest a risk to Bank security.
• Ability to work full-time.
• Ability to uphold and model the Bank’s Guiding Principles.

Pay

Base Salary: Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Schedule & Location

• Hybrid schedule: onsite three days per week, two days remote, with remote flex days
• Position is based within the Bank’s District, requiring residence in Indiana or Michigan
• Frequent travel within Indiana and Michigan, Washington, D.C., and other locations as needed
• Ability to work weekends and evenings when necessary