Associate Director of Government Relations

What You’ll Do

We’re looking for an Associate Director of Government Relations to join our team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the daily operations and strategic growth of Principal’s political action committee (PrinPAC). This position supports Government Relations advocacy strategy through the management of the company’s key contacts and grassroots initiatives, working closely with state and federal Government Relations personnel.

• Serve as chief administrator of the Principal Financial Group’s Political Action Committee (PAC): Oversee day-to-day operations of the PAC, including donor database, budget, disbursements, compliance, governance, vendors, banking, fundraising, growth, solicitation campaigns, correspondence, records, pay-to-play compliance, and internal processes.
• Develop creative and educational content for presentations, solicitation materials, and transparency reports. Facilitate internal meetings and forums for employee education about Government Relations activities, PrinPAC, and other advocacy tools.
• Partner with GR personnel to establish and maintain connectivity to campaign fundraising and industry PAC communities. Identify opportunities to maximize the reach of PrinPAC resources in Washington, D.C., and in key states like Iowa. Ensure appropriate support of industry PAC initiatives. Coordinate GR representation at supported events. Engage with PAC leads from various trade groups and industry peer firms.
• Manage the company’s Key Contact Program, including recruiting and training field office managers or other field office leaders for direct contact with, and ongoing access to, members of Congress and their local staff. Proactively strengthen Key Contact relationships through regular communications.
• Partner with the GR team to identify opportunities for launching grassroots initiatives; facilitate content creation and foster employee engagement in grassroots activities. Actively engage with grassroots committees at industry trade groups.
• Support GR ownership of corporate policies on political activity, gifts, entertainment, and public office leave. Partner with the corporate compliance team to ensure strong pay-to-play internal governance.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as required, up to 5%, including developing a cursory understanding of industry policy priorities and managing internal GOTV (Get Out The Vote) initiatives to enhance employee political engagement.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, or a related area, or equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in PAC administration, fundraising, and compliance.
• Working knowledge of Federal Election Commission campaign laws.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing and prioritizing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Persuasive and capable of fostering strong relationships; demonstrated ability to navigate diverse internal and external networks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to write and edit clear, engaging content.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop comprehensive growth plans and execute them successfully.

Salary Range Information

Salary ranges reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives and, in some instances, a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based on geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements, and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly):
$95,200 – $182,400 / year

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and offers the opportunity to take paid time away from the office for vacation, personal needs, or short-term illness. Employees do not accrue a bank of time under FTO, and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligibility

Yes

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or Washington, DC). You’ll work with your leader to determine which option aligns best based on various factors.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we are not considering applicants who need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States.

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct and personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both personal and professional levels. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees.

We support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values, and benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window

We will accept applications for three full days following the original posting date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based on applications received. If the job is reposted, we will accept additional applications for at least one full day following the most recent posting date. Submit applications promptly, as there is no guarantee the posting will remain available beyond the deadline.

Learn more here