Head of Government Relations

At Equitable, Our Power is in Our People

We’re individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you’ll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential?

Head of Government Relations

As the Head of Government Relations at Equitable, you will lead a dynamic and high-performing team, driving impactful stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategies that align with our corporate goals. Your role is pivotal in crafting and executing legal, regulatory, and policy initiatives that propel Equitable’s interests forward. This individual will report directly to the Chief Legal Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy:

• Develop and execute results-driven advocacy strategies to advance key business priorities and meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to shape company positions and responses to state and federal legislative and policy proposals.
• Leverage deep expertise in life insurance regulatory areas such as capital, solvency, liquidity, investments, reinsurance, retirement security, and tax.

Legislative Initiatives:

• Review and comment on legislation from the drafting stage through negotiations.
• Deliver timely communications to internal stakeholders regarding regulatory, legislative, and policy developments that could impact our business.
• Track legislative and policy trends across multiple jurisdictions relevant to our business.

Relationship Building:

• Leverage strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others.
• Establish trusted relationships with key business partners across the company and collaborate with subject matter experts.
• Build and foster relationships with Congress, state and local elected officials, and regulatory agency executives.
• Coordinate meetings between company leaders and elected officials and regulatory agency personnel.

Engagement and Representation:

• Represent Equitable at internal and external meetings, trade associations, and conferences involving government and elected officials.
• Actively participate in industry trade association committees, contributing to discussions that shape life insurance industry standards and practices.

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and manage a diverse team, including Directors of State and Federal Government Relations and regulatory affairs professionals.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Ensure all regulatory responses and filings are completed accurately and on time.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth communication and approval processes.

Compensation and Benefits

The total targeted compensation range for this position is $275,000 – $375,000. Total compensation varies based on skills, experience, geographical location, and other factors.

For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off

For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below: Equitable Total Rewards Program

Qualifications

Required Skills

Experience in Government Relations or Policy Advocacy:

• A minimum of 8 to 10 years of relevant experience in government relations or policy advocacy, preferably within the insurance and/or financial services sector.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex political and regulatory issues.
• Strong understanding of regulatory processes, including the ability to analyze and interpret legislative and policy developments.
• Experience engaging with regulatory bodies and influencing policy outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of various insurance regulatory policy issues is preferred.

Relationship Building and Interpersonal Skills:

• Proven skills in building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders, including government and elected officials, policymakers, and industry groups.
• Ability to lead and participate in life insurance industry coalitions to drive policy initiatives.
• A team player with a proactive approach to managing people and issues.
• Must demonstrate candor and transparency while partnering with colleagues across the company.
• A proven track record of providing sound counsel and strategic direction to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to make informed decisions and offer guidance on policy and advocacy matters.

Effective Communication Skills and Ability to Influence:

• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to senior executives, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior leaders to align them with strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts.
• Skilled in negotiating and persuading others to achieve desired outcomes.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies.
• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve complex issues in a dynamic environment.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Demonstrates a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by treating everyone with respect and dignity.
• Ensures all voices are heard and advocates for change.

About Equitable

At Equitable, we’re a team committed to helping our clients secure their financial well-being so they can pursue long and fulfilling lives.

We turn challenges into opportunities by thinking, working, and leading differently – where everyone is a leader. We encourage every employee to leverage their unique talents to become a force for good at Equitable and in their local communities.

We are continuously investing in our people by offering growth, internal mobility, comprehensive compensation, and benefits to support overall well-being, flexibility, and a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

We are looking for talented, dedicated, purposeful people who want to make an impact. Join Equitable and pursue a career with purpose.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equitable is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to our employees, applicants, and candidates based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Additional Information

NOTE: Equitable participates in the E-Verify program.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform the essential job functions of this position, please contact Human Resources at (212) 314-2211 or email us at [email protected].

Learn more here