Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy

What you'll do

• Track and analyze federal and state policy issues impacting Affirm and develop appropriate public policy campaigns in collaboration with legal, compliance, capital markets, and communications teams.
• Engage with government officials, staff, and regulatory agencies to promote Affirm’s business and policy objectives.
• Build strategic partnerships with external stakeholders like consumer advocacy groups, trade groups (e.g., Marketplace Lending Association, Consumer Financial Data Rights Group) and industry thought leaders.
• Recruit, lead, and inspire a high-performing government affairs team.
• Identify and manage external consultants to deliver defined political and policy objectives.
• Serve as a thought leader and respected representative in the external community for Affirm at conferences and forums, promoting the company’s capabilities, expertise, innovation, customer focus, strategic vision, public policy point-of-view, and corporate values.
• Establish and manage a corporate political action committee (PAC) and manage strategic dissemination of PAC funds with oversight from Affirm’s executive team and board of directors.
• Support compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding government advocacy.

What we look for

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience working in public policy, government relations, grassroots organizing or community organizing
• 3-5 years experience leading a government affairs team of 3 or more people at a private or public company
• Bachelor’s degree required, masters or law degree preferred
• Business experience with technology and financial services such as lending and payments a plus.
• Knowledge and experience in U.S. and state governmental and public policy affairs required, with government experience as it pertains to financial services.
• Experience establishing and managing a political action committee (PAC).
• Track record of effective and respected leadership of people and teams in a matrixed environment, with strength in development of talent and organizations.
• Strong understanding of and experience with effective public policy and political advocacy, public affairs programs, and associated campaign management concepts and methods.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with a focus on effectively assessing opportunities and threats, prioritization of focus, analyzing and anticipating developments as well as emerging trends, threats and opportunities.
• Comfort with ambiguity, along with the ability to process, synthesize and share significant amounts of disparate information and intelligence.
• Ability to build strong partnerships across all areas of the organization and levels, from senior leadership to Strong executive presence and presentation skills.