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Job Purpose
The Assistant Vice President, State Government Relations directs state government relations activities and initiatives to advance Jackson's business interests in matters related to public policy and regulatory requirements. This individual is responsible for managing collaborative relationships with business stakeholders and executive, state, federal, and local officials. As the regulatory environment directly affects the way in which we do business, it is essential that the Assistant Vice President ensures continued profitability, growth, and ultimate success of the company by providing high-level strategic consulting to advance the organization's positions and interests. The position reports directly to the SVP of Government Relations.
Essential Responsibilities
- Stakeholder Management: Develop strategy for engagement with external stakeholders. Establish and cultivate a deep network of internal relationships with Jackson leaders and external relationships with state legislators, insurance regulators, and executive branch officials.
- Company Ambassador: Represent Jackson with industry, civic, and philanthropic organizations in Michigan. Speak at and or serve on panels at industry, business, and community forums.
- Communication: Provide timely and actionable updates to senior leaders on significant developments and monitor and inform on priority issues. Prepare and give presentations to company audiences on policy, political, regulatory, and election topics.
- Strategic Advocacy: Develop and execute a comprehensive legislative and regulatory strategy at the state and federal levels to support Jackson’s business objectives.
- Coalition Leadership: Serve as Jackson’s lead representative for state issues within key industry trade associations (e.g., ACLI, IRI, NCOIL, LIAM, LICONY, & ACLHIC) to ensure Jackson’s priorities are reflected and aligned with industry-wide policy. Support company engagement with the NAIC.
- Risk Mitigation: Monitor and analyze emerging state legislation and administrative rules; provide executive leadership with actionable intelligence on potential impacts to the life and annuity business.
- Lobbyist Management: Direct and evaluate the performance of external contract lobbyists and consultants to ensure tactical execution of the company’s policy agenda.
- PAC Activities & Oversight: Provide strategic direction for the company’s Political Action Committee (PAC), and corporate contributions to civic organizations. Engage in relevant fundraising activities.
Other Duties
- Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Expert knowledge and familiarity with the life insurance industry, public policy, and the legislative/regulatory process.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to address a wide variety of audiences at all levels, including participation in public speaking engagements.
- Strong ability to develop and cultivate relationships in order to effectively negotiate and consult/collaborate on key priorities.
- Proven success in legislative/regulatory advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Proven leadership abilities.
- Strong business acumen skills.
- Ability to work independently and learn complex topics quickly.
- Strong organizational skills with a willingness to adapt and be flexible.
- Expert knowledge and experience working with state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required.
Juris Doctor or an advanced degree in public policy preferred.
10+ years of related experience in public policy/government relations required.
Prior experience working with public policy related to the insurance/financial services industry preferred.
Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments.