Senior Director, Innovation Policy

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The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion. Joining ABA makes you part of a team that: • has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry. • has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared. • is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results. Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

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Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized with a 2023 Great Company Culture Award and 2024 Great Place to Work designation!

Job Description:

The Senior Director, Innovation Policy is a member of ABA’s Office of Innovation, responsible for analyzing regulatory and legislative developments, working with banks of all sizes to formulate policy positions, collaborating across ABA to develop and manage advocacy campaigns, participating in educational efforts, and engaging with external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will also support other activities of the Office of Innovation, such as assisting banks with implementing operational best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support ABA’s advocacy on digital assets (e.g., stablecoin, CBDC, tokenized deposits, digital asset custody), fintech partnerships (e.g., banking as a service, embedded finance), and other emerging innovation and technology topics
• Read and analyze various reports, regulator speeches, proposed legislation, and rules
• Support VP & Sr Counsel, Innovation Policy in soliciting member feedback and drafting comment letters
• Manage innovation policy working groups (e.g., digital assets, personal financial data sharing, artificial intelligence, privacy & data governance), including sharing relevant industry updates, maintaining distribution lists, scheduling meetings, setting agendas, and preparing notes
• Assist banks with operationalizing nebulous regulatory expectations (e.g., privacy and data governance)
• Build relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on shared policy initiatives
• Represent ABA on multi-organizational groups and forums
• Cross-train in other innovation policy areas to support when additional resources are needed
• Stay abreast of key market developments in the bank innovation space, including regulator activity, bank activity, and fintech activity
• Support other Office of Innovation initiatives, such as Innovation Forum, as needed
• Identify and anticipate emerging needs of ABA members; create, organize, and direct Office of Innovation resources to provide deliverables
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctor and eligibility to practice in at least one state preferred
• Proven experience in related industries (banking, fintech, law/regulation)
• At least 10 years of related experience with 3-6 years conducting legal research and developing analyses for external audiences.
• Experience implementing, refining, and communicating policy positions regarding innovation/emerging technologies, informed by and aligned to banking and business strategies
• Public policy, bank/fintech compliance, or law firm experience preferred
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas through speech, writing, and presentations
• Able to effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet deadlines
• Strong record of leadership of deliverables from inception to distribution
• Self-driven individual
• Excellent attention to detail
• Team-oriented mindset
• Ability to travel (<20%)

Salary Range for Role:

$160,000 - $175,000

Salary Band Range:

$124,247.00 - $172,048.00 - $219,849.00

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.