Director of Congressional Affairs

American Financial Services Association (AFSA)

About AFSA:

Founded in 1916, the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) is the primary trade association for the consumer credit industry, protecting access to credit and consumer choice. Our mission is to promote safe, ethical lending to responsible, informed borrowers and to improve and protect consumers’ access to credit. AFSA provides the consumer credit industry and the consumers it services with a voice in Washington, D.C., where the association is headquartered, and access to the media and investment community. AFSA also provides policy advice and issues management at both the federal and state levels.

Title and Job Description:

Director of Congressional Affairs

Role:

The Director of Congressional Affairs will advance AFSA’s policy priorities before Congress on a broad range of financial services issues, focusing on consumer credit. The role will build and maintain relationships with members of Congress and congressional staff, with primary responsibility for engagement with Republican offices, while developing legislative strategies that advance the consumer finance industry's priorities and deliver results. This role will report to the Vice President of Congressional Affairs.

Responsibilities also include coordinating AFSA’s internal member groups and congressional fly-ins, supporting AFSAPAC fundraising and reporting, collaborating on legislative communications, and representing AFSA at industry and policy events.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

o Help develop and advance congressional advocacy strategies that support AFSA’s consumer credit policy priorities.

o Build relationships with lawmakers and staff; keep AFSA leaders and members informed.

o Develop advocacy materials, including talking points, letters, testimony, questions, and legislative language.

o Track and analyze congressional activity, reporting key developments to AFSA staff and members.

o File accurate, timely lobbying reports.

o Serve as staff liaison to an internal working group.

o Plan and manage congressional fly-ins, including member outreach, speakers, and meetings.

o Participate in AFSA conferences, meetings, and calls.

o Build partnerships with lobbyists, trade associations, think tanks, coalitions, and other stakeholders.

o Represent AFSA at industry and coalition events.

o Work with Communications on legislative messaging, news releases, and public statements.

o Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to the President & CEO on relevant policy and political developments and opportunities.

o Coordinate with General Counsel on regulatory matters.

Qualifications:

o Strong knowledge of financial services policy, legislative issues, and the congressional members and committee staff shaping consumer lending policy.

o At least five years of relevant government or trade association advocacy experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; recent congressional experience preferred.

o Experience with identifying and attending appropriate PAC and fundraising events preferred.

o Ability to engage well with members of Congress, Hill staff, and member companies.

o Strong advocacy, writing, analytical and oral communication skills.

o Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and to work as part of a team.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Copilot.

o Works well independently and as a member of a team.

o Ability to travel.

Compensation and Benefits:

AFSA offers a competitive starting salary based on experience and expertise, excellent health benefits, 401K plan, a monthly commuting stipend and a collegial and collaborative work environment with the opportunity for career development. Salary range $125,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience.

To learn more about AFSA, go to www.afsaonline.org.

AFSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.