Senior Director State Relations

Represents the Company on legislative and regulatory matters at the state level, with an emphasis on the State of Wisconsin (the company’s state of domicile).  Works closely with the Government Relations team and business leaders throughout the company in prioritizing issues and developing and implementing impactful lobbying strategies.  Briefs the CEO and/or other senior company leaders on priority state issues.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Government Relations team and business leaders throughout the company in prioritizing issues and developing and implementing impactful lobbying strategies.  Briefs the CEO and/or other senior company leaders on priority state issues.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with key legislators and regulators across various states. Monitors legislative and regulatory sessions and hearings, communicates directly with legislators, regulators, and staff, and coordinates the participation of other company personnel in testifying on behalf of the company. 

• Represents Northwestern Mutual at NAIC meetings. Helps develop the company’s strategy for these gatherings, including coordinating the activities of those attending and reporting key developments to home office leaders.

• Selects and oversees retained government relations counsel in various states, as needed. 

• Helps oversee the state political giving program, which includes developing a strategy and budget for political contributions to state lawmakers via the Northwestern Mutual PAC and the Executive Officers’ Individual Political Contribution Accounts.  Must ensure compliance with all relevant political giving and lobbying laws.

• Represents Northwestern Mutual before state and national trade associations – most notably, the American Council of Life Insurers – to take positions and undertake initiatives consistent with the company’s priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a legislative, regulatory and/or lobbying environment.  

• Strong relationships at the state level and a keen understanding of the legislative and regulatory process, including the appropriate ways for the company to engage policymakers on priority issues.

• Knowledge of life insurance and securities industries and their regulatory regimes.

• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, and the ability to work not only independently, but also with a diverse group of individuals, both in the public and private sectors.

• Will require travel.  Ability to travel 50% of time.

• This position will be hybrid and will bebased in or require significant travel to Northwestern Mutual’s Milwaukee office.

• An advanced degree in law, public policy, political science, or business is desirable.