VP - Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs

At Sunrise Banks we are committed to a culture of trust and transparency that welcomes all.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice-President for Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs represents and promotes Sunrise Banks at the federal, state and local governmental levels. This individual develops strategic relationships with key stakeholders including elected officials and related staff, regulatory agencies, trade and advocacy organizations, the business community, and not-for-profit entities. The role advocates for Sunrise Banks in the areas of commercial banking, community development finance, fintech and emerging national products covering policy, appropriations and regulatory matters. This individual reinforces Sunrise Banks’ commitment to regulatory fairness and community leadership. The position also requires a commitment to Sunrise’s business growth, working closely with business development colleagues and other revenue generators. This person will enjoy one of the most visible external positions at the Bank, with the responsibility to advance its strong reputation and brand.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

• Maintain and deepen relationships with Minnesota and South Dakota’s United States Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and federal and district staff focusing on the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI’s) Fund and other priority banking issues of the day. Being visible in Washington DC and in-state, and on a first-name basis with decision-makers


• In coordination with the Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA), the American Bankers Association (ABA), the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Coalition and other subject-matter expert trade organizations, monitor and provide input on proposed banking legislation and execute in coordination


• Hire and oversee a part-time Washington DC-based lobbyist whose focus will be on the Department of Treasury and whose experience both individually and corporately will demonstrate strong bi-partisan relationships with members of Congress and a current connection with the staff of Treasury’s federal payment and the CDFI Fund divisions, among others. The lobbyist will be Sunrise’s “eyes and ears” in Washington DC


• Alert and coordinate with Sunrise leaders on critical compliance and other regulatory matters originating from OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, CFPB, and FinCEN. Participate in industry comment processes and consultations


• Track other federal economic development programs including SBA, HUD and USDA as needed, focused on new funding opportunities


• Utilize AI tools and coordinate with marketing on letter-writing and other key messaging to government, employees and other stakeholders


• Serve as primary contact with the ABA on legislative affairs and as an active member of Sunrise’s CDBA, CDFI and NMTC internal working groups, attending events and providing leadership. 

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

• Serve as the primary Sunrise contact with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, advising on banking, general business and community development issues, and taking part in statewide events as well as the annual federal fly-in; join a Chamber committee and potentially its board of directors


• Serve as a member of the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) Government Relations committee and be available to meet with legislators and provide committee testimony on matters impacting Sunrise and the industry. Build a network of Minnesota bank leaders


• Regularly visit the state capitol during session and develop relationships year-round with urban legislators representing the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, first-ring suburbs and with key committee chairs and ranking members


• Develop relationships with Minnesota’s Governor and staff, and the Department of Commerce


• Attend and participate with Sunrise staff on targeted state advocacy legislation in support of Minnesota CDFIs, the Minnesota Housing Partnership, a state NMTC program and renewable energy initiatives


• Develop relationships with the the mayor and members of the city councils of the major cities (Minneapolis/Saint Paul and regional cities in future)


• Track and influence local issues including rent control, taxation, zoning, permitting and economic development. Be alert to partnership opportunities with cities, HRA’s and economic development agencies. Arrange public forum sponsorships, and host officials and groups at Sunrise Wabash community facilities


• Attend local chamber and community events to enhance Sunrise’s profile and connectedness


• Work closely with Sioux Falls market president on managing and building a South Dakota political strategy at the federal and local levels focusing on rural and native economic development; mentor the market president on political skills and public sector relationship-building, and attend South Dakota elected official events and fundraisers


• Work closely with the South Dakota-based Chief Fintech Officer on critical national issues with a particular focus on federal government payments, and aligning Washington lobbying efforts around same; work with Fintech on trade group engagement including with the Innovative Payments Association

 Business Development

• Seek depository accounts from public entities and solicit political campaign and PAC accounts from elected officials and organizations, as appropriate; willingness to selectively and strategically make personal contributions to political campaigns and advise President/CEO on PAC opportunities for Sunrise


• Joint sales calls with business development staff with prospects and customers


• Volunteer with high-level community organizations


• Identify public speaking opportunities for self and Sunrise leadership


• Elevate Sunrise's profile and reputation

 POSITION DETAILS

• Full-time


• Primarily in-office (at Como branch)


• Evening and occasional weekend work with expectation of regular travel to Washington D.C and South Dakota


• Reporting to Chief Revenue Officer with regular inform meeting with Sunrise President/CEO


• EOS participant and member of Community Engagement Committee

   EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Minimum 7-10 years private sector experience at a professional level in state or federal government relations, or regulatory affairs (Required)


• Bachelor's degree in business-related field (Required)


• Demonstrated commitment to community and volunteerism (Required)


• Understanding of banking and community development finance (Desired)


• Masters in business or other advanced degree (Desired)


• Preparing for Graduate School of Banking program at UW Madison

 COMPETENCIES

• Natural ability to work bi-partisanly


• Sunrise Core values


• Change champion


• Problem solver


• Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking


• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners


• Strategic thinker pivotable to tactical execution


• Time availability to fulfill responsibilities


• Comprehensive skill in use of multiple software platforms


• Demonstrates the ability to work effective with AI tools and maintains an open, curious approach to emerging technologies

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Annual Salary DOQ: $135,830 - $194,043 - $252,256 

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life, AD&D, STD/LTD, PPL, 401k and more. Details at www.sunrisebanks.com.