Head of US Public Policy and Government Relations

About the role

This role focuses on leading Block's public policy and government relations strategy across the United States. The Head of US Public Policy will identify and prioritize legislative and regulatory changes impacting the company, translating Block's mission into compelling narratives for various stakeholders. A key aspect of the work involves developing thought leadership content and advocacy materials to support these efforts.

The position requires building and maintaining relationships with senior policymakers and government officials, as well as collaborating with internal legal, compliance, product, and communications teams. The successful candidate will design and implement advocacy strategies, which include direct engagement and forming coalitions, to advance Block's policy objectives.

Success in this role means effectively guiding Block's policy direction, managing a regional policy team, and overseeing external advisors and lobbyists. The Head of US Public Policy will also contribute as a thought leader to the Counsel leadership team, ensuring Block's public policy efforts are strategic and impactful.

The compensation for this full-time remote position is $435,000 annually.

Skills that matter here

• public policy experience: This role requires over 15 years of experience, with a preference for backgrounds in US government, financial services, or technology sectors.
• managing teams: The position involves leading a high-performing regional policy team, including external advisors and lobbyists, requiring over 10 years of management experience.
• advocacy: A strong background in advocacy is essential for designing and executing strategies to engage with policymakers and build coalitions.
• strategic thinker: The role demands a strategic approach to identify legislative developments and cultivate Block's public policy direction.
• coalition-builder: This person will need to credibly engage across different ideological lines to build and maintain effective coalitions.
• Exceptional communicator: The ability to translate complex concepts into clear narratives for diverse audiences, including legislators and the public, is critical.

Who this role suits

• A person with extensive experience navigating US government and regulatory landscapes.
• Someone who thrives on translating complex organizational missions into clear, persuasive policy arguments.
• An individual adept at building and maintaining relationships with senior officials and diverse groups.
• A leader who can operate effectively in ambiguous situations and make sound judgment calls.

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.