Sr Director, State Government Relations

Senior State Government Relations Director

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

The Senior State Government Relations Director will lead lobbying activities at the State Level for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and the District of Columbia, in support of Nationwide's state level legislative and regulatory priorities.

This position is the face of Nationwide at the State Level with State Legislators, Insurance Commissioners, Governors and their staff for the New England states and the District of Columbia as noted above. Responsible for working with the various Nationwide businesses to understand their legislative and regulatory priorities at the state level and will work with trades, outside lobbying firms, and formal and informal coalitions to accomplish favorable legislative and regulatory change, and to defeat proposed unfavorable legislative and regulatory change, at the state level.

The Senior State Government Relations Director will engage in relationship building with internal (business) and external (trades, lobbying firms, coalition members) stakeholders, state public officials and their staff. Travel is required and is key to building solid and effective relationships and credibility for in-person advocacy. It will be approximately 30% of work time to be effective.

Monitors and advocates on key state legislative and regulatory initiatives for Nationwide, while also keeping OCLO and Nationwide management informed of key state legislative and regulatory updates impacting Nationwide business.

Prepares various reports on key state legislative and regulatory matters for the District of Columbia and New England states of responsibility, articulating potential impact on Nationwide.

Develops and maintains relationships with State and National Trade Associations to assure that Nationwide's priorities are the State and National Trade Associations' priorities.

Manages external lobbying firms that are retained in the District of Columbia and New England states to assure that they are kept informed of Nationwide legislative and regulatory priorities and that the lobbying firms keep VP - State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs informed on key political updates that can be shared with the business and senior OCLO leaders.

Makes recommendations on both corporate and PAC contributions for the District of Columbia and New England states and attends functions to build and enhance key relationships. Represents company at trade and political functions.

The preferred candidate will be located in the District of Columbia or one of the New England states of responsibility or willing to travel. This position can be fully remote, hybrid or in office, but travel is required.

Job Description Summary :

Our Government Relations team are trusted professionals who work with public officials and their staff to build a political and regulatory environment that protects our members and our company. We provide industry expertise that helps government leaders anticipate and meet our customers' needs. We value the key role that all Nationwide associates play in election and policy efforts and work hard to keep them informed and engaged in the process. If you can navigate the complexities of the political environment, have the savvy and skills to educate, influence and persuade, we want to know more about you! As a Senior Director, you'll lead Government Relations on behalf of Nationwide in a territory spanning a number of states, including direct advocacy and lobbying efforts on legislative and executive branch matters involving state legislatures, state governors, and state agencies.

Key Responsibilities :

• Prioritizes and provides input to state legislative and executive branch officials to impact governmental decisions. Maintains effective channels of communication with key government authorities and industry organizations that impact the course of legislation; provides legislators and officials with rationale (including data and statistics) supporting the policy position of Nationwide.
• Attends legislative committee meetings; presents testimony on company positions; arranges for technical staff testimony before legislatures. Is the primary relationship and lobbying contact in their territory.
• Supervises significant insurance legislation through personal contact with legislators, legislative reports and industry trades and publications. Identifies priority issues requiring legislative input by Nationwide.
• Monitors, influences and makes projections regarding likelihood of passage or defeat of legislation. Acquires relevant bills and refers to impacted offices for information and to capture analysis and make recommendations.
• Coordinates and manages external lobbyist team for their respective states where team is retained. Provides input and evaluation of external lobbyist team and assists with input on whether to retain external lobbyist firms on an annual basis.
• Provides strong, creative and strategic regulatory and public policy leadership through the representation and advocacy of Nationwide companies' positions; supervises development and prioritization of policy advocacy in support of company positions.
• Advises senior management and regional management and staff offices on significant legislative and executive branch activity at the state level that impacts Nationwide. Provides background information as vital regarding issues; acquires direct input from Office of Chief Legal Officer and others who may be impacted and prepares appropriate arguments in support of or in opposition to such legislation and / or executive branch orders.
• Sits on advisory committees and task forces, through trade associations and other organizations that address important policy issues impacting the insurance industry.
• Establishes and improves relationships with public officials and facilitates meetings between Nationwide and public officials on sensitive company matters as needed and requested.

Reporting Relationships : Reports to Vice President, Government Relations

Typical Skills and Experiences :

Education : Undergraduate studies in political science or other related areas. JD or other advanced degree preferred, but not required.

Experience : Ten years of experience related to legislation and regulation, whether from a business or governmental viewpoint, at least five involving insurance.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : Must adhere to the highest standards of personal ethics and integrity. Intimate knowledge of the political process, the legislative system, and operations of regulatory agencies. Knowledge of Nationwide operations or of the insurance business generally. Excellent verbal and written skills. Ability to encourage trust and confidence from politicians and other related persons. Strong interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and HR Business Partner.

Values : Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions :

Overtime Eligibility : Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions : Work from Home. Travel will be required.

ADA : The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.