AVP, Government Relations

Role Overview

• Deliver product, new business/rerate, and marketing approvals in a timely manner to support business unit financial goals
• Implement and manage the state and federal relations strategy, including meeting/call participation; drafting responses for complex state issues and position papers; supporting contracts and actuarial partners; developing regulatory tools; and setting, tracking, and executing follow-up schedules
• Develop and execute a focused state and federal relations strategy aligned to business priorities
• Lead preparation for all hearings, including serving as liaison, drafting testimony, and coordinating responses and attendance
• Proactively participate in legislative and regulatory forums (e.g., state, NAIC, and federal) to help shape laws and regulations and preserve a healthy, competitive marketplace
• Partner with lines of business as a collaborating subject matter expert for actuarial and forms filing teams
• Develop clear, compelling messaging to address complex and difficult objections
• Provide a leadership role for Legal across initiatives, projects, and key stakeholder engagements
• Provide input, as needed, on complex market conduct and complaint matters
• Provide independent leadership of the filing strategy, including drafting and negotiating approvals
• Demonstrate strong achievement orientation and continuously identify opportunities to improve; push for results; and motivate teams toward shared goals
• Lead effectively in ambiguous, high-pressure environments by providing guidance and demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a rapidly changing landscape
• Act as a practical risk-taker focused on continuous learning and self-development
• Collaborate effectively with peers while remaining highly self-driven to identify solutions, overcome challenges, and deliver objectives
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy in an efficient, self-directed manner
• Lead Department of Insurance (DOI) and legislative interactions to achieve company objectives while maintaining strong relationships with public policy makers
• Develop and execute strategies to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Monitor and assess new legislative and regulatory proposals; determine business impact and develop response strategies to help shape laws and regulations and preserve a healthy and competitive market
• Support a federal, state, NAIC, Compact, and broader regulatory environment that enables a healthy marketplace and promotes reasonable, responsible laws/regulations across key topics (e.g., rate stabilization, settlements, chronic illness, claims practices, genetic testing)
• Cultivate and maintain senior DOI relationships to support rerate actions, product discussions, and filings; maintain leadership positions in trade/industry groups to drive policy favorable to Manulife, the business unit, and the industry
• Provide input on ACLI/AHIP NAIC/state DOI letters and position statements
• Partner with filing teams to respond seamlessly to multiple and/or shifting priorities, supporting management objectives and growth initiatives
• Direct and advise teams on Government Relations strategy for product initiatives, as needed
• Draft and/or support position papers addressing complex state issues, as required
• Build institutional knowledge on new offerings (e.g., group insurance, wellness, voluntary benefits), as needed
• Coordinate and manage DOI communications as well as outside counsel and/or consultants, as required
• Advise and support senior management on product, compliance, regulatory, legislative, and industry issues; provide assistance as requested

Requirements

• JD and/or MBA strongly preferred
• Deep product, compliance, and insurance background required
• 10+ years of senior-level experience, with a strong background in advanced regulatory and/or legislative advocacy
• Senior trade association experience highly desired
• Demonstrated people leadership and management experience
• In-depth knowledge of product and compliance practices
• Ability to contribute technical expertise to the development and evolution of Manulife’s product management as a core competency
• Market savvy, with sound awareness of industry practices and distributor expectations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Highly developed negotiation, influence, networking, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) and strong judgment
• Results orientation with an ability to think creatively and execute effectively
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of business operations and associated financial dynamics
• Broad understanding of Manulife’s organizational structure, businesses, and operations
• Ability to work effectively across corporate functions and executive levels within Manulife and MFC
• Ability to influence and collaborate within the business unit to achieve successful outcomes
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business implications; strong problem-solving skills and creativity in developing analyses and presenting results.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible work hours
• Paid time off
• Remote work options
• Short
• and long-term disability
• Life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
• Employee/family assistance plans
• Up to 11 paid holidays
• 3 personal days
• 150 hours of vacation
• 40 hours of sick time