Manager, Public Affairs

Capital One Capital One · Banking · McLean, VA

This role is for a Manager, Public Affairs at Capital One, focusing on advocating for the company's policy interests at federal and state levels. The position involves developing and executing advocacy campaigns, drafting messaging, partnering with external groups, advising senior leaders, building media relationships, and leveraging data for storytelling. It requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with experience in public affairs, political engagement, and reputation management within a regulated industry.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the end-to-end development of advocacy campaigns and communications programs that advance Capital One’s legislative and regulatory priorities at the federal and state levels.
  2. Draft high-impact messaging, talking points, and rapid response materials for internal and external audiences on a range of complex policy issues.
  3. Partner closely with industry associations, coalitions, and peer groups to conceptualize, drive, and shape initiatives that support policy and reputation goals
  4. Provide real-time, strategic counsel to senior leaders, helping to navigate high-stakes policy environments and aligning communications with business objectives
  5. Cultivate strong relationships with key reporters in Washington, D.C., and select markets to drive narratives and provide strategic framing

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree or military experience
  • At least five years of communications experience
  • At least three years of public affairs experience

Nice to have

  • At least three years of experience working with elected officials, regulatory agencies, political campaigns, or any combination of the three
  • At least three years of consulting experience in a corporate setting, such as a PR agency, trade association or in-house for a private sector business
  • At least three years of experience working in a highly regulated industry such as financial services, tech, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals
  • At least one year of experience working with members of the media
  • At least one year of experience integrating data and research into messaging and earned media plans
  • At least one year of experience designing, planning and executing events

What the JD emphasized

  • highly regulated industry
  • elected officials
  • regulatory agencies
  • political campaigns
  • media