Senior Vice President Government Relations and Public Policy

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS and PUBLIC POLICY

The Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy is a primary member of CDIA’s senior staff, responsible for the Consumer Data Industry Association’s (CDIA) advocacy and public policy strategies. This senior executive role will lead the development of a comprehensive advocacy agenda and engagement effort across diverse stakeholders, develop and oversee the advancement and alignment of state and federal advocacy strategy, provide guidance on emerging issues affecting the consumer data industry, and serve as a principal representative of CDIA with member company executives, Members of Congress, Regulators, and key policymakers.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Vice President of Government Relations, will work closely with the Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, the Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, and the Vice President of State Government Relations. The government relations team will report to the SVP of GR and Policy, with headcount to bring on a federal government relations professional.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial people and policy management experience, along with leadership and executive presence.

Who We Are

The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) is the voice of the consumer reporting industry, representing the nationwide credit bureaus, regional and specialized credit bureaus, and background check companies. CDIA advocates for the responsible use of consumer data to help consumers achieve their financial goals, and to help businesses, governments and volunteer organizations avoid fraud and manage risk.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Strategy

• Develop CDIA’s government relations advocacy strategy tied to the association’s priorities, in close coordination with the CEO, CDIA’s Board, and senior leadership.
• Direct the execution of CDIA’s advocacy strategy, thoughtfully utilizing and integrating association resources, including staff, association membership, outside consultants and contract lobbyists.
• Discern and advise the CEO and Board of Directors on legislative and regulatory risks, opportunities, and political dynamics impacting the association and its members.
• Anticipate policy developments and proactively position CDIA to positively influence policy outcomes.

Executive Leadership & Management

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and cross-functional coordination.
• Supervise the government relations team, providing clear strategic direction, performance objectives, accountability measures, and professional development.
• Oversee government relations consultants and contract lobbyists, including strategy development, deliverables, and accountability associated with government relations.
• Ensure coordination with all CDIA departments and member engagement functions.

Political Engagement & PAC Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the CDIA Political Action Committee (PAC), including fundraising strategy, compliance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and Board coordination.
• Partner with the CEO on high-level political engagement and relationship development.
• Ensure full compliance with election law, lobbying disclosure requirements, and governance standards.

Legislative Monitoring & Policy Development

• Monitor and assess policy proposals impacting CDIA member organizations.
• Lead development of policy materials including legislative summaries, talking points, testimony, white papers, regulatory comment letters, and other related correspondence.
• Ensure timely and thorough responses to inquiries and legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Provide strategic policy guidance to CDIA members and internal stakeholders.

Member & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop deep trust-based relationships with association members’ government relations executives and staff.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with senior level policymakers and staff to increase CDIA’s influence and advocacy.
• Direct and support association member engagement with policymakers, including fly-ins, briefings, and targeted advocacy initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners and allied organizations to advance shared legislative goals.
• Represent CDIA externally at meetings, hearings, fundraisers, coalition meetings, and other public forums, as needed.
• Deliver regular policy updates to the CEO, Board of Directors, and membership.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of senior experience with public policy, government affairs, or regulatory advocacy.
• Proven record developing and executing policy strategy and communication at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge in the policy areas of financial services policy, including the consumer reporting industry, FCRA, GLBA, data privacy and AI.
• Demonstrated deep and broad relationship base in key policy areas.
• Thorough understanding of the federal and state policy-making processes, including important roles and decision points.
• Ability to delegate roles and responsibilities thoughtfully and effectively.
• Experience overseeing or advising a corporate or trade association Political Action Committee.

Competencies

• Executive-level strategic thinking and political judgment.
• Experience navigating complex trade association member dynamics and relationships.
• Outstanding ability to create consensus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Including the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear strategic direction.
• Strong executive presence and credibility with senior policymakers and industry leaders.
• Background working as a positive, collaborative, and constructive member of a team.
• Experience proactively managing multiple high-priority strategies simultaneously.
• Proven track record managing a high-performing and geographically distributed team.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and politically dynamic environment.

Work Environment

This position requires working in-person in the CDIA Washington, DC office four days a week to facilitate teamwork, communication, and direct engagement with stakeholders. There is potential for increased flexibility with remote work options as the role evolves and organizational needs are assessed.

The duties and responsibilities described are not exhaustive, and the scope of the job may change as needed to meet organizational needs.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are currently unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position starts at $320,000 and will be commensurate with experience. In addition to a competitive salary and bonus opportunity, the position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation and sick leave), generous health insurance coverage, a flexible spending account (FSA), disability insurance, transit benefits, travel insurance, and participation in a 401(k)-retirement plan.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to resumes@cdiaonline.org and include the job title in the subject line.

Equal Employment Opportunity CDIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.