US ED, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy

Country:
United States of America

It Starts With You:
Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

The Executive Director, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy leads Santander's engagement on public policy matters at the federal, state, and local levels in support of the company's business objectives, growth priorities, and long-term interests. The role coordinates closely with Santander Group's Global Public Policy team.

The Executive Director develops and leads a proactive government relations and public policy function, identifying and assessing legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy developments affecting Santander and the financial services industry; advising senior leadership on their potential business implications; and developing and executing advocacy strategies to advance the company's priorities.

The role serves as a senior advisor to the U.S. management team, business leaders, and other senior stakeholders on the external policy environment. The Executive Director represents Santander with policymakers, government officials, regulatory agencies, trade associations, industry coalitions, and other key external stakeholders while building relationships that strengthen Santander's outreach in the U.S. market.

The Executive Director must demonstrate exceptional political and policy judgment, established relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders, and the ability to connect complex legislative and regulatory developments to Santander's strategy and commercial priorities. The individual must be equally effective as a senior external representative, trusted internal advisor, team leader, and hands-on executive capable of translating strategy into disciplined execution.

The role reports to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and works closely with the U.S. CEO, U.S. Executive Committee, business heads, and senior corporate function leaders. The Executive Director also serves as the principal U.S. point of contact for Santander Group's Global Public Policy team in Madrid, ensuring strong bilateral coordination on policy priorities and issues of global significance.

across lines of business.

The position is based in Washington, D.C.

• Lead Santander's U.S. Government Relations & Public Policy function and develop and execute a comprehensive U.S. strategy aligned with the company's business objectives, growth priorities, and broader corporate strategy.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the U.S. CEO, Executive Committee, business leaders, and other senior stakeholders on political, legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and their implications for Santander.
• Lead, develop, and manage the established U.S. Government Relations & Public Policy team.
• Develop and maintain trusted senior-level relationships with policymakers, government officials, relevant regulatory agencies, and other influential stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Identify emerging legislative, regulatory, political, and public policy issues that could create opportunities or risks for Santander and ensure that senior leadership has timely insight into their potential strategic and business implications.
• Partner with business heads and corporate function leaders to establish Santander's priorities and positions on significant public policy matters and develop effective advocacy strategies to advance those positions.
• Represent Santander before policymakers and government officials and in relevant industry forums, coalitions, trade associations, and other external organizations.
• Lead Santander's strategy for engagement with Congress, the Administration, relevant federal agencies, and state and local policymakers on issues material to the company.
• Lead Santander's relationships with key financial services trade associations and industry organizations, ensuring that participation and resource allocation are aligned with the company's strategic priorities and that Santander has an effective voice on issues material to…