Government Relations Engagement Manager

Overview:

The Government Relations Engagement Manager will manage the M&T/Wilmington Trust Political Action Committee (M&T PAC) and work with M&T’s Government Relations team on political engagement activities. The incumbent will leverage strong communication, writing and leadership skills to cultivate relationships, strengthen PAC participation, and support the team in fostering effective interaction with government officials. Responsible for understanding Federal and State legislation, creating talking points and one-pagers for internal and external use, writing internal newsletters and updates, managing the team’s engagement programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction of M&T PAC including fundraising initiatives, budget development, donor participation, and analysis of PAC effectiveness to support engagement and advocacy objectives.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of M&T PAC, including budget administration, contribution processing, disbursement oversight, reconciliation, compliance, and PAC Committee meetings and coordination. Manages external vendors for M&T PAC.
• Work with the PAC Committee, Legal, Compliance and Communications partners to develop and implement enterprise-wide M&T PAC solicitations that generate increased employee engagement and contributions.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at federal, state, and local levels, staying informed of emerging trends and issues that may affect the bank’s business objectives and public policy priorities and the ability to communicate these trends in a concise fashion.
• Foster a culture of political engagement throughout the organization.
• Develop creative content for Government Relations and M&T PAC communications, including educational and solicitation materials, annual and semi-annual reports, newsletters, events and webinars, and websites that articulate purpose, vision, and goals.
• Coordinate with Regional Presidents and leadership teams to provide Government Relations and PAC updates, communicate engagement opportunities, and plan events that support engagement with elected officials.
• Supports the development of Government Relations meeting materials including but not limited to presentations, briefings documents, handouts, etc.
• Serve as the Government Relations liaison or first point of contact for other teams, coordinating with Government Relations colleagues to ensure timely responses for requests.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying and PAC reporting requirements.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and reflects the M&T Bank brand and values.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• M&T’s Government Relations department is an enterprise-wide function responsible for developing and executing on a holistic strategy to educate government officials about the value that M&T brings to their communities and constituents.
• The Government Relations team represents M&T at the federal, state, and local levels, to advance and protect its long-term interest through engagement with elected officials. As a community focused bank, its Government Relations approach is based on building trust with government officials and maintaining enduring relationships with the bank.
• The team works in close collaboration with the Office of the Chairman, Regional Leadership, Communications, Legal and Regulatory Affairs. The Government Engagement Manager position entails extensive contact with internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent will interact with senior M&T leadership and represent M&T with industry trade associations and government officials at the direction of the Government Relations team leadership.
• Position is designated Political Action Committee Treasurer and provides lobbying/engagement representation in DC.
• Incumbent works under general supervision.

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, history, business or related field and a minimum of 3 years relevant government, public affairs, or communications experience or, in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 7 years of higher education/work experience to include relevant government, public affairs, or communications experience.
• Proven relationship and coalition building skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to articulate complex policy issues with clarity.
• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes at federal, state, and local levels.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Masters, Juris Doctorate
• Experience managing a PAC.
• Understanding of the financial services industry.
• Public policy, government, political campaigns experience.
• Experience with email marketing and design suites, i.e. Adobe Creative Suites, Microsoft Creative Suites and/or Canva is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to travel to community bank regions and to attend political events.

Work Model & Office Locations:

This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring onsite presence four days per week at one of M&T Bank’s regional offices. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to one of the following locations:

• 345 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

• 1350 I Street NW, Washington, DC

Location