The Director of Government Affairs leads Credit Union 1’s (CU1) advocacy and public policy strategy, advancing our mission to help members achieve their financial goals through exceptional service and value. This role develops and implements coordinated advocacy strategies, monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments, and prepares CU1’s official policy positions.
As the only state-chartered credit union in Alaska, CU1 plays a unique role in representing the financial well-being of Alaskans. The Director builds and maintains relationships with policymakers, regulators, industry associations, and community groups, while equipping CU1’s executive team, board, and employees with the tools to be effective advocates, allowing the voice of CU1 members to be heard from Juneau to Washington, D.C.
This position is based out of our Anchorage Headquarters (1941 Abbott Rd.).
Pay Range: $107,999/yr. - $168,552/yr.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Research, track, and analyze state and federal legislation and regulations that impact CU1, Alaska credit unions, and our members.
- Develop CU1’s official positions in coordination with executive leadership and subject matter experts.
- Draft position papers, testimony, comment letters, and talking points that clearly communicate CU1’s advocacy priorities.
- Establish and maintain trusted relationships with legislators, staff, executive officers, regulators, and community decision-makers.
- Represent CU1 at legislative hearings, regulatory meetings, industry events, and national advocacy forums such as the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC).
- Provide regular updates to CU1’s executive team and board on policy developments, risks, and opportunities.
- Partner with Marketing & Communications to design advocacy campaigns that engage CU1 members and employees in grassroots efforts.
- Support CU1 leaders in external advocacy roles through preparation of briefing materials, position statements, and talking points.
- Build partnerships with other credit unions, associations (ACUL, America’s Credit Unions), nonprofits, and community organizations to advance collective priorities.
- Lead CU1’s participation in state and national advocacy days, political engagement activities, and coalition workgroups.
- Develop education initiatives that increase policymakers’ understanding of CU1’s role in improving financial well-being across Alaska.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Community service is required of all management staff. While some may occur during work hours with the permission of the President, some must also occur outside of normal working hours, at a minimum of twice per year. Community service is defined as serving on a non-profit board of directors, and participation in other social services events. In addition, attendance at management mandated events will be required.
- Meets the current standards as established for the department or branch in the completion of all assigned duties.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 6+ years of experience in government affairs, advocacy, legislative relations, or public policy.
- In-depth knowledge of state and federal political and regulatory environments.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in the financial services or credit union industry preferred.
- Familiarity with credit union structure, cooperative principles, and operations preferred.
- Responsible for abiding and complying with the policy for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws and regulations (BSA/AML) and the policy for compliance with office of foreign assets control laws and regulations (OFAC).
Please note: Credit Union 1 does not provide relocation assistance. If selected for an on-site position, candidates will be responsible for relocating to Alaska prior to the agreed upon start date at their own expense.
To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Credit Union 1 does not provide visa sponsorship.
Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements for this position will be considered for an interview. This position closes on 9/2 at 5:00pm.
Thank you for your interest in the opportunity with Credit Union 1!
Background Screening Statement: Candidates selected for a position at Credit Union 1 will be subject to a criminal background check prior to their employment. An offer of employment may be rejected or terminated based on receipt of an unacceptable background screening.
EEO Statement: Credit Union 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
E-Verify Statement: Credit Union 1 participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Credit Union 1 is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Credit Union 1 can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer an completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that Credit Union 1 has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
