Head of US Public Policy and Government Relations

About the role

This role focuses on developing and executing Block's public policy and government relations strategy across the United States. The Head will identify and prioritize legislative and regulatory developments impacting Block's operations, translating the company's purpose into narratives for legislators, regulators, and the public. This includes creating thought leadership content, policy papers, and advocacy materials to support Block's objectives.

A key component of the position involves building and maintaining relationships with senior policymakers and government officials. The Head will partner with internal legal, compliance, product, and communications teams to design and implement advocacy strategies, including direct engagement and coalition building. This ensures a coordinated approach to policy efforts and effective communication of Block's positions.

Success in this role means effectively navigating the intersection of technology, financial services, and public advocacy. The Head will oversee the development of policy materials and executive briefings, while also managing a regional policy team, external advisors, and lobbyists. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker who can operate in ambiguous environments and contribute as a thought leader to the Counsel leadership team.

The listed salary for this full-time remote position is $435,000 per year.

Skills that matter here

• public policy experience: This role requires over 15 years of experience in public policy, with a preference for backgrounds in the US government and financial services or technology sectors.
• managing teams of policy professionals: The Head will need over 10 years of experience in leading and developing teams of policy professionals.
• advocacy and public policy development: A strong background in developing and executing advocacy strategies and public policy initiatives is essential for this position.
• strategic thinker: The role demands a strategic mindset with sound political instincts to effectively guide Block's policy direction.
• coalition-builder: The Head must be able to build strong coalitions and engage credibly across different ideological perspectives.
• communicator: Exceptional communication skills are necessary to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences, including legislators and the public.

Who this role suits

• A person with extensive experience navigating the US political and regulatory landscape, particularly within technology or financial services.
• Someone who thrives on building relationships and can effectively engage with senior government officials and policymakers.
• An individual capable of leading and mentoring a team of policy professionals, while also collaborating across internal departments.
• A strategic and adaptable leader who can make sound judgments in complex and evolving policy environments.

From the employer

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and guide Block’s public policy and government relations strategy across the US.
• Identify and prioritize legislative and regulatory developments that affect Block's ecosystem.
• Translate Block's purpose into narratives that resonate with legislators, regulators, and the public.
• Develop thought leadership content, policy papers, and advocacy materials.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior policymakers and government officials.
• Partner closely with legal, compliance, product, and communications teams.
• Design and execute advocacy strategies, including direct engagement and coalition building.
• Oversee the development of policy materials and executive briefings.
• Manage a high-performing regional policy team, including external advisors and lobbyists.
• Be a thought leader for the Counsel leadership team.

Requirements

• 15+ years public policy experience, preferably in the US government and financial services/technology sectors.
• 10+ years of experience managing teams of policy professionals.
• Strong background in advocacy and public policy development.
• Strategic thinker with sound political instincts.
• Strong coalition-builder who can engage credibly across ideological lines.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making judgment calls.
• Exceptional communicator able to translate complex concepts for various audiences.

Conditions

• Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class.
• Pay may vary depending on location, skills, experience, and market conditions.
• U.S. locations are categorized into zones based on a cost of labor index.