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The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion. Joining ABA makes you part of a team that: • has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry. • has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared. • is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results. Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

Job Description:

Did you know that women and other marginalized groups are often reluctant to submit job applications if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements? We encourage you to take a chance! If you don’t satisfy every criterion, but know you can excel in the role, we urge you to apply! We’d love to connect and talk with you about joining our team.

Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized as a 2023 Great Place to Work!

Position Overview:

The VP & Senior Counsel serves as ABA’s staff expert on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Expedited Funds Availability Act, Electronic Funds Transfer Act, Truth In Lending Act, Truth in Savings Act, and Military Lending Act and their implementing regulations. The VP & Senior Counsel will monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory proposals in assigned areas of responsibility; obtain member feedback; draft ABA comment letters and letters to Congress; and advocate policy positions before bank regulators and Congress. This position will also work closely with the ABA Communications team to amplify policy positions and respond to media inquiries.  

The VP & Senior Counsel is also responsible for keeping ABA members up to date on regulatory and legislative changes in assigned areas of responsibility through ABA’s website and other communication vehicles, including giving presentations at ABA conferences, meetings, and webinars, drafting and reviewing ABA Staff Analyses and FAQs, and drafting and reviewing articles for ABA periodicals and e-bulletins.

The position enhances ABA member relations by providing world-class solutions and leadership in the incumbent’s area of responsibility, whether serving members directly or collaborating with other ABA departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage in compliance policy development and regulatory agency advocacy with responsibility for FCRA, EFAA, EFTA, TISA, TILA and, MLA. Identify and explain operational and compliance issues presented by legislative and regulatory proposals and communicate the impact, as well as ABA policy positions, to regulators, Congress, the media, and other interested organizations. This includes analyzing legislation, drafting and reviewing comment letters, letters to Congress, statements for the record, and testimony for Congress.

• Develop and maintain working relationships with bankers, Congressional staff, and banking regulators to advance ABA’s legislative and regulatory objectives in assigned areas of responsibility.

• Support the Payment Systems Committee and the Card Policy Council and assist the consumer fraud prevention and information security groups.

• Work with the ABA communications team to respond to media inquiries regarding assigned areas of responsibility. 

• Promote ABA’s visibility on assigned issues through speaking engagements sponsored by state bankers associations, the American Bar Association, and other organizations. Participate in coalitions comprised of related industry trade groups with similar objectives.

• Develop and support delivery of ABA compliance solutions: communications (Staff Analyses, FAQs, articles, etc.), training (Frontline courses and ABA Compliance Schools), webinars, and conferences in assigned areas of responsibility.

• Provide guidance to ABA’s Compliance Analysts and answer bankers’ questions regarding assigned areas of expertise.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate.

• 10 years of related experience with at least 6 – 8 years of banking or legal experience related to consumer protection law and regulations.

• In-depth knowledge of FCRA, EFTA, EFAA, TILA, TISA, and MLA and their implementing regulations.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strategic thinker.

• Willingness to collaborate with other ABA staff, bankers and other organizations.

• Trade association experience or experience working for a regulatory or executive agency preferred.

• Ability to travel (<20%).

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ABA encourages and celebrates diversity so if you are motivated, hardworking and want to make a difference, come as you are!