Job Description

WECU is seeking a Director, Advocacy to join our Community Impact department located in Bellingham, WA The Director, Advocacy is responsible for and represents the credit union in legislative and political activities related to local, state and federal public policy issues and goals. Coordinates and implements WECU’s Advocacy strategy across the organization by aligning internal and external outreach to advance political priorities for the industry and our community. Develops targeted partnerships while focusing on measurement and readiness to achieve strategic goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify strategies, provide leadership, and assist in the execution of local, state and federal legislative efforts and relationship building, along with raising staff and member awareness of credit union issues.
• Develop and lead the execution, planning, preparation and hosting of key credit union activities and events including but not limited to, calls to action, CU Day at the Capital, visits with elected officials, PAC fundraising and Government Relations sponsored events through the GoWest Credit Union Association.
• Provide leadership in the execution of the WECU Credit Union Advocacy Committee, setting goals and executing actions to move engagement forward.
• Recruit, educate, communicate, and mobilize staff and members to be involved in advocacy-related activities to support our credit union public policy issues and goals.
• Develop relationships with legislators within WECU’s branch networks and plan regular, resonate communication with them.
• Integrate in partnership with the GoWest Credit Union Association advocacy team, including providing information on local candidates to identify credit union supporters and deliver PAC checks to candidates.
• Remain current on key local, state and federal legislation and issues directly affecting the credit union and our industry.
• Share Advocacy priorities, progress, and opportunities across WECU and to external audiences, where applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Follows WECU’s policies and all applicable laws and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, public relations or public policy.
• BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Business or comparable field.
• Understanding of the legislative process and regulations affecting credit unions preferred.
• Demonstrable experience and skill in networking and relationship building.
• Strong storytelling, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both with direction and independently.
• Accurate writing skills, stressing composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

NOTE: Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job.

COMPENSATION:

The salary range for this position is from $108,786. To $153,581. per year.

WECU provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes robust medical, dental, and vision benefits with low employee premiums, 401(k) retirement plan with an 8% annual contribution from WECU, bonus plan, two or more weeks of vacation, up to 11 paid holidays, paid life and disability insurance, annual wellness benefit, loan discounts, professional development, and much more.

ABOUT WECU:

WECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative where members are encouraged to save and borrow responsibly at fair and competitive rates. Headquartered in Bellingham, WA, WECU has over 160,000 members and over $3 billion dollars in assets.

It is WECU's mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members. We strive to treat both members and staff with honesty and integrity and to be a socially responsible part of our community. WECU also endeavors to be an employer of choice.

WECU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We make employment decisions based on merit and qualifications and seek to have the best qualified person in every job. WECU policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic characteristics or information, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.