Director, Public Policy Federal Outreach

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Director, Public Policy (Federal) Outreach
Department: Public Policy
Reports to: Senior Director, Public Policy
Direct Report(s): Policy Project Managers (2)

OVERVIEW

The Director of Public Policy (Federal) Outreach is an external-facing leadership role within the Academy’s Public Policy department, supporting the Academy’s public policy mission, strategy, and goals. The Director works under the direction of the Senior Director and collaboratively with other department directors to promote and support the Academy in two primary areas:

1. Executing the federal external outreach strategy
2. Supporting department management

The Director will develop relationships with external stakeholders. This is not a lobbying role.

This position will support and influence the development and execution of a strategic plan to enhance and grow the organization’s outreach and awareness with identified policymakers, including federal legislators and regulators, trade associations, and other industry-related organizations. The Director will also assist the Senior Director with international monitoring and awareness efforts.

With two direct reports and a strong emphasis on cross-department and cross-organizational collaboration, this role will focus on external engagement while ensuring effective management and empowerment of policy staff. The Director will indirectly support other policy project managers and assist the Senior Director in fostering a team environment that reinforces core values and encourages independent judgment and a self-starter mentality.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Policy Stakeholder Engagement (40%)

• Plan, conceptualize, and implement federal external strategies to understand stakeholder needs and market opportunities, emphasizing public policy issues across the actuarial practice spectrum and the broader insurance industry.
• Assess and track national political landscapes relevant to the actuarial profession, identifying opportunities and needs.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of key public policy issues related to the actuarial profession, leveraging political and policy insights to develop work products that support the Academy’s mission.
• Collaborate with department leadership to refine and enhance strategic priorities.
• Translate technical material from analytical reports and technical comments into digestible content for mainstream readership, policymakers, Hill staff, trade members, and consumer advocates.
• Work with policy staff to develop Academy external outreach content, including blog posts, podcasts, and other communication materials.
• Develop standards of practice (SOPs) for federal external engagement, including Hill visits and public events.
• Maintain a strong network of contacts to strengthen relationships and advance policies while increasing awareness of the Academy’s role and work products.
• Lead and execute the annual Academy Hill visits.

Department Management (40%)

• Assist the Senior Director and work with other directors in managing various administrative duties related to the policy team, including overseeing operations, SOP development, project management, and budget monitoring.
• Engage in strategic planning and work product deployment for practice councils and the department.
• Refine department processes for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on public policy-related activities, ensuring volunteers are informed and external engagement is strategic.
• Supervise and manage direct staff, providing mentorship and training to ensure proficiency in organizational policies and substantive practice areas.
• Conduct reviews of public policy publications, ensuring responsiveness to stakeholder needs, appropriate tone, and adherence to Academy policies.

Collaborative Engagement (20%)

• Assist policy staff in translating analytical reports and technical comments into accessible publications for non-actuarial audiences.
• Meet regularly with policy project managers, department leadership, and other departments to discuss practice area priorities, external engagement opportunities, and strategic planning.
• Support Academy leadership, Practice Council leadership, Senior Fellows, and key volunteers in building and maintaining relationships with influential individuals, associations, and organizations.
• Coordinate with senior leaders across practice councils and internal departments to ensure strategic policy alignment.

Travel: Less than 5%. Weekend/overnight attendance may be required.
Other duties as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive expertise in policy, relationship management, and strategic engagement.
• Strong interpersonal communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Resourcefulness and ability to take initiative.
• Ability to assess risks and opportunities in public policy engagement.
• Expertise in relationship-building and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate effectively, and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong project management skills, preferably with experience using Asana or similar tools.
• Deep understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes, as well as the federal political landscape. Understanding of the insurance environment is helpful.
• Collaborative work ethic.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in policy, government relations, or legislative work within a Congressional office
  • Minimum of 5 years of management experience
  • Familiarity with insurance and financial solvency issues in the U.S.
  • Understanding of the current legislative and regulatory landscape

• Preferred:

  • Experience in member associations or trade organizations
  • Experience managing and leading Congressional fly-ins
  • Project management experience, particularly with Asana

FLSA Classification: Exempt

For more information on how to apply, email [email protected]