Head of State Government Affairs

About the job

Lead the state government affairs function, including regional officers, external lobbying and trade association resources, and the team budget — setting clear goals, deploying resources effectively, and maintaining accountability for outcomes. Coach and develop a geographically dispersed team of experienced professionals: set direction, delegate effectively, give direct feedback, create stretch opportunities, and build bench strength in an inclusive environment. Partner with the Chief Government Affairs Officer, Government Affairs colleagues, senior leaders, and business stakeholders to identify priority state issues and develop enterprise-aligned strategies, operating plans, resource priorities, and measurable objectives. Build trusted relationships with key legislators, legislative staff, executive-branch officials, regulators, trade associations, coalitions, and other partners to advance priority issues and enterprise policy objectives. Contribute to political affairs and related compliance activities in coordination with Legal and Government Affairs partners. Build team capability and confidence in new tools and methods, setting clear expectations for adoption while maintaining rigorous standards for accuracy, judgment, and compliance — AI augments the team's expertise, it does not substitute for it. Bachelor's degree required, with Juris Doctor or other advanced relevant degree preferred, and demonstrated academic or professional excellence. Typically, 15 or more years of progressively responsible experience in law, government, government affairs, public policy, or a related field, including leadership of multi-state strategies, internal teams, outside lobbying firms, coalitions, and/or trade association engagement. Expert knowledge of state legislative, administrative, regulatory, and political processes — including key decision makers, timing, and influence points — together with strong command of insurance issues, corporate operations, and business objectives. Sound judgment and strong problem-solving and execution skills, with the ability to assess complex or ambiguous issues, anticipate developments, balance business objectives and risk, prioritize competing demands, coordinate resources, and deliver results on deadline. Demonstrated change management experience — having shifted how a team or function operates and achieved sustained adoption of new ways of working. Strong project and program management capability, with a record of delivering complex, multi-workstream initiatives to plan. Clear, concise, credible, and persuasive written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate complex issues for executives, policymakers, regulators, business partners, employees, and external stakeholders. Proven ability to advise senior executives, influence without authority, navigate competing interests, and build consensus among internal and external stakeholders. Inclusive and effective people leadership, including setting direction, delegating effectively, holding others accountable, coaching and developing talent, and championing the use of technology and AI to improve how work gets done. Ability to travel as needed.