AVP, Government Relations
Manulife
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Boston • Massachusetts • United States
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Salary
💰 $156,700 - $290,900 per year
Job Level
About the role
- 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
regulatory advocacycompliance practicesproduct managementlegislative strategynegotiationstakeholder managementanalytical skillsproblem-solvingdecision-makingmarket analysis
Soft Skills
leadershipcommunication skillsresults orientationcreativityinfluencenetworkingcollaborationflexibilityresilienceachievement orientation
Certifications
JDMBA