Strategic Policy Counsel

• Work Arrangement/Location: Ideally, this will be a hybrid position requiring in-office work three days/week and will be based in Buffalo, NY or at another M&T legal team office. Depending upon the location of the final candidate, a remote arrangement may be available.
  
  

Overview:

This position is responsible for assisting the Chief Legal Officer (“CLO”) with influencing M&T and industry association leadership (as appropriate) to ensure such leadership delivers on their strategic and organizational goals. Acts as a strategic partner, connector and conduit between the CLO and key M&T senior leaders, executives, and other stakeholders. Coordinates and undertakes a range of complex, technical, and/or highly sensitive activities, including research and analysis, and drives special business projects, as assigned. Assists the CLO with policy efforts on a wide array of bank regulatory, compliance, and corporate governance-related issues impacting large financial institutions and trade associations. Represents the Bank with industry associations, government, and regulatory bodies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Anticipates the requirements of and reports directly to the CLO.
• Is a visible operator who is politically astute and a pragmatic thinker.
• Represents and acts on behalf of the CLO in addressing internal and external inquiries as it pertains to industry association strategic initiatives.
• Engages in coalition building with key stakeholders both internal and external to M&T on key industry association initiatives.
• Prepares the weekly schedule of meetings with internal and external parties for the CLO.
• Develops and manages relationships/agreements with external parties, vendors, as well as M&T executives and staff.
• Works cohesively with divisions throughout the M&T enterprise, including Government Relations, Government Affairs, Legal, Risk, Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology.
• This is a senior level position that requires interaction with executive management on a regular basis.
• Understands and adheres to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies, and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Identifies risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
  
  

Scope of Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on complex legal issues for departments supported.

Incumbent should be able to anticipate and guard against legal risks facing M&T, develop and recommend corporate policy and positions on legal issues and conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues.

Supervisory/ Managerial Responsibilities:

Matrixed management of senior level managing attorneys, as appropriate

Education and Experience Required:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience as an attorney or other relevant legal experience.
• Minimum of 7 years' work leadership experience
• New York State or applicable state bar admission.
• Demonstrated ability to balance high-level business priorities while driving effective day-to-day strategic plans.
• Skill in developing collaborative working relationships with external high-level leaders industry wide.
• Ability to influence business decisions with internal and external stakeholders.
• High-level representation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional goals, objectives, structure and operations.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures within specialty area and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully direct, coordinate, and strategically integrate multiple developmental, enhancement, and/or modification projects at an institutional level.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Ability to gather data, investigate and analyze information while being able to draw conclusions and issue recommendations.
• Ability to create, compose and edit correspondence, written materials and/or complex reports.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
  
  

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $182,808.10 - $304,680.17 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America