Government Affairs Liaison

State of South Carolina•Richland County, SC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of South Carolina Department of Insurance is seeking a Government Affairs Liaison to serve as the primary point of contact with South Carolina General Assembly members and staff on legislative matters, as well as items involving other governmental entities. This role is crucial for monitoring, researching, and analyzing policy issues to inform Department leadership and assist in the development and advancement of legislation, policy, and regulations. The position also supports internal and external communication functions within the Consumer and External Affairs Division.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree
Four or more years of legislative, insurance, or related experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to perform assigned duties independently, exercising sound judgment and discretion
Ability to understand legislative and governmental systems
Ability to collaborate, negotiate, and mediate divergent viewpoints
Ability to work in a fast-paced political environment, assess needs of stakeholders, and adjust working style as appropriate
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships while working collaboratively with co-workers, insurance industry, legislators, and other stakeholders
Ability to be discrete and hold matters in confidence
Ability to represent the agency with professionalism

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's or advanced degree in political science, law, insurance, risk management, or a related field.
Experience drafting legislation and navigating the South Carolina legislative process.
Experience working with members and staff of the South Carolina General Assembly.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to insurance regulation.
Knowledge of insurance regulatory policy as well as insurance trends and issues.
Detailed understanding of how insurance functions.
Knowledge about the purpose and processes of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Department’s primary liaison on legislative and government matters.
Act as the Department’s primary point of contact on legislative matters and items involving other governmental entities.
Develop and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, Governor’s Office, state and federal agencies, and various other stakeholders.
Coordinate with Department staff for purposes of preparing and giving testimony at legislative hearings.
Testify before the General Assembly on behalf of the Department as needed.
Serve as primary contact for constituent matters and coordinate appropriate Department staff.
Monitor insurance policy issues and trends at state, national, and global levels.
Research and prepare documents (including correspondence, talking points, minutes, notes, memos, reports, etc.) to brief the Director and other Department staff on insurance regulatory issues.
Provide analysis on insurance policy matters to the Director and other Department staff.
Collaborate with Department staff to identify and prioritize items for legislation, policy, and/or regulation.
Assist in drafting new or amended language for statutes, policies, and regulations.
Work with legislators, legislative staff, Governor’s Office, state agencies, and various other stakeholders for passage of Department legislation and regulations.
Assist the Department’s Communications division on relevant media requests, outreach activities, and educational initiatives.
Communicate with Director, Deputy Directors, and other relevant Department staff regarding legislative, government, and policy matters.
Coordinate with Department staff to ensure completion and delivery of statutorily required reports in a timely manner.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director and/or Deputy Directors.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
State Retirement Plan (pension plan option) and Deferred Compensation Programs
Employee Assistance Program (Free counseling sessions for employees and household members, Free legal counseling, Free financial counseling)
Flexible Work Schedules (Compressed work weeks, Part-time telecommuting, Flex-time)
Contingent upon completing required probationary period
Free Gym Access
Growth Opportunities (Certifications/designation program allowing for salary increases and bonuses)
Infants at Work Program (Employees eligible to bring their newborn/infant to the workplace)
Free Parking