State and Local Government Affairs Manager, External Affairs

Join a financial services firm where your contributions are valued. Edward Jones is a Fortune 500 company where people come first. With over 9 million clients and 20,000 financial advisors across the U.S. and Canada, we’re proud to be privately-owned, placing the focus on our clients rather than shareholder returns. Behind everything we do is our purpose: We partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

About the Role

The State and Local Government Relations Manager plays a pivotal role in the External Affairs Department of Edward Jones by managing public policy matters, regulatory issues, and government relations at the state and local levels. This position involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance the firm's strategic initiatives while advocating for its interests in policy-making processes. This opportunity will afford the successful candidate the ability to be part of a culture that inspires and supports the individual and allows them to be part of a team focused on advancing our purpose.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage state and local public policy strategies that align with firm priorities
• Collaborate with internal partners to identify, prioritize, and advance policy initiatives
• Build and maintain relationships with state and local policymakers, regulators, and thought leaders
• Advocate for firm positions at hearings, conferences, and other public forums
• Coordinate with trade associations, coalitions, and third-party organizations to advance policy goals
• Analyze legislative and regulatory proposals impacting the firm’s business and clients
• Produce advocacy materials such as messaging points, testimony, comment letters, and grassroots resources
• Provide strategic guidance to market management and business leaders on state and local policy developments
• Regular travel is required to support legislative sessions, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy activities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a related field preferred
• 3+ years of government relations experience
• Direct experience working with local officials, state legislators, and statewide elected officials
• Direct experience with multi-state lobbying and coalition building
• Direct experience with grassroots outreach and lobbying
• Knowledge of financial services public policy issues (e.g., tax, securities, retirement policy) preferred
• Deep knowledge of the Missouri Capitol and St. Louis City Hall preferred
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy research and drafting advocacy materials

Candidates that live within a commutable distance from our Tempe, AZ and St. Louis, MO home office locations are expected to work in the office four days per week.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription drug coverage
• Dental and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits (such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness)
• Short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage (provided at no cost to associates)
• 401k retirement plan
• Tax-advantaged accounts: health savings account and flexible spending account
• Ten paid holidays
• 15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year, as well as sick time, personal days, and a paid day for volunteerism
• Eligibility for bonuses and profit sharing
• Employee Assistance Program