Director State Government Relations

The Hartford•Hartford, CT

About The Position

As part of the State Government Relations Unit within the Government and Industry Relations Group, the Director, State Government Relations is responsible for advocacy in support of the priorities of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (The Hartford) . The role involves cultivating and maintaining relationships with regulators, lawmakers and public officials, monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments, and ensuring that the company’s public policy positions are effectively communicated. The implementation of a comprehensive advocacy strategy includes understanding how regulatory and legislative policies affect The Hartford and the insurance industry. Effectively managing internal coordination with business segments and corporate functional areas on public policy issues is also a key part of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or a related field
At least 5 years of relevant experience in state government relations role, including experience working in state legislators, a trade association or in a relevant advocacy organization.
Expert knowledge of policy issues affecting large insurance and financial services firms.
Proven leadership and partnership skills with proven ability to effect change within a large matrixed organization.
Strong relationships with state policy decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders
In-depth knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, as well as the political landscape at the state level
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to effectively articulate complex policy issues to a variety of audiences
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills
A proven track record of successfully advancing advocacy priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Extensive current knowledge and understanding of State Administration, and regulators.

Nice To Haves

Law degree or graduate work in public policy, political science, business, preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with executives in the Government and Industry Relations Group, business partners, and other corporate functions to develop and implement firm-wide strategies regarding state public policy and political engagement aligned with company goals and objectives.
Provide senior management with advice and guidance on public policy and political issues in strategic decision-making by providing a comprehensive picture of the legislative and regulatory landscape, challenges, opportunities, and solutions.
Develop and implement state lobbying and political engagement strategies to advance the company’s public policy priorities.
Build and maintain relationships with key state decision-makers, including members of the legislature and their staff, senior regulatory leadership, and other relevant stakeholders.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments, including proposed laws, regulations, and administrative actions providing regular updates and guidance to senior management and stakeholders.
Represent the company in meetings with state decision-makers, trade associations and other stakeholders, and effectively communicate the company’s policy positions and priorities.
Develop and execute advocacy campaigns, coalition building initiatives, and other engagement activities to advance the company’s public policy goals
Provide strategic counsel and support to senior management, business leaders and other stakeholders on state affairs and political engagement matters.
Identify emerging public policy issues from relevant policymakers, create strategies to influence public policy development, and advise internal partners in preparing for policy changes.
Proactively identify and prioritize public policy changes which would benefit the firm, its clients, and the insurance and financial services industry, and create strategies to influence these public policy changes.
Coordinate development of public policy positions across lines of business, and in coordination with other corporate partners.
Manage relationships with lawmakers and key regulators and prepare senior executives and firm-wide partners for high-profile meetings.
Oversee and execute effective communication of policy positions through a variety of channels (e.g., bilateral meetings with policymakers, trade associations, industry coalitions)