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 be responsible for identifying and prioritizing legislative and regulatory changes relevant to Block's operations. A core part of the work involves crafting narratives that effectively communicate Block's purpose to legislators, regulators, and the public, requiring the creation of policy papers and advocacy materials.

The position demands building and maintaining relationships with senior policymakers and government officials. It also involves close collaboration with internal teams such as legal, compliance, product, and communications to ensure a cohesive approach. The Head will design and implement advocacy strategies, including direct engagement and coalition building, while overseeing the development of policy materials and executive briefings.

Success in this role means effectively guiding Block's policy direction and advocacy efforts, ensuring the company's mission of economic empowerment is well-represented in policy discussions. The Head will manage a regional policy team, including external advisors and lobbyists, and contribute as a thought leader to the Counsel leadership team, navigating the intersection of technology, financial services, and public policy.

The annual salary for this position is stated as $435,000.

Skills that matter here

• public policy experience: This role requires over 15 years of experience, ideally within the US government and either the financial services or technology sectors, to guide Block's policy strategies.
• managing teams of policy professionals: Over 10 years of experience in team management is necessary to lead and develop a high-performing regional policy team.
• advocacy and public policy development: A strong background in these areas is crucial for cultivating and executing Block's government relations strategy.
• Strategic thinker: The role demands strategic thinking to identify legislative developments and formulate effective advocacy approaches.
• coalition-builder: The ability to build coalitions is essential for engaging credibly across different ideological perspectives and strengthening advocacy efforts.
• Exceptional communicator: This skill is vital for translating complex concepts into clear narratives for diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.

Who this role suits

• A leader with a proven track record in US government and either financial services or technology policy.
• Someone who excels at building relationships and can credibly engage with senior policymakers.
• An individual comfortable operating in ambiguous situations and making informed judgment calls.
• A strategic thinker who can translate complex ideas into compelling policy narratives.

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.