AVP Government & Industry

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, Inc.•Omaha, NE

About The Position

Physicians Mutual is seeking a strategic Government Relations Officer to lead our state and federal public policy engagement. This role goes beyond tracking legislation. It anticipates emerging regulatory trends, shapes advocacy strategy, strengthens key policymaker relationships, and ensures our company maintains a respected and influential voice in discussions that impact our policyholders and business. We’re looking for a seasoned public policy professional with executive presence, political acumen, and a proven ability to influence outcomes. If you’re ready to help us shape the future and represent a trusted, mission-driven company — we encourage you to explore the opportunity. Under the direction of the Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, the Government Relations Officer serves as the Company’s strategic leader for state and federal public policy engagement. This role goes beyond monitoring and interpreting legislation. The Government Relations Officer: Anticipates emerging legislative and regulatory trends Develops proactive strategies to influence public policy outcomes Positions Physicians Mutual effectively with policymakers and regulators Ensures the Company maintains both a strong voice and a respected presence in policy discussions impacting our business The incumbent serves as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership, translating complex statutes and regulations into actionable business insight while simultaneously shaping external conversations to advance company interests. This position requires a sophisticated understanding of how policy is formed, how influence is built, and how long-term relationships are cultivated at the federal and state levels. The Government Relations Officer will: Develop and execute comprehensive federal and state advocacy strategies aligned with corporate objectives. Identify risks and opportunities “around the corner,” advising leadership on positioning strategies before issues fully materialize. Shape and advance Physicians Mutual’s policy priorities through direct engagement, coalition-building, trade association leadership, and strategic partnerships. Ensure the Company consistently maintains a “seat at the table” in key regulatory and legislative discussions. Partner with executive leadership to define annual public policy priorities and measurable influence objectives. This role requires political acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while protecting and advancing the Company’s reputation. The Government Relations Officer plays a leadership role in strengthening and stewarding the Company’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and broader federal advocacy efforts. Responsibilities include: Partnering with leadership to define PAC strategy aligned with corporate policy priorities. Supporting recruitment and retention of PAC members; cultivating engagement and demonstrating impact. Ensuring PAC funds are deployed strategically and responsibly in support of key relationships and policy objectives. Maintaining strong working relationships with the Nebraska delegation and other targeted federal policymakers. Ensuring full compliance with all federal and state lobbying and PAC regulations. The role requires discretion, integrity, and a sophisticated understanding of how political engagement advances long-term business interests. The Government Relations Officer is a visible ambassador for Physicians Mutual and ensures that all advocacy efforts reflect the Company’s commitment to policyholders, compliance, and long-term sustainability. The individual must demonstrate: Exceptional executive presence in all settings. The ability to communicate confidently and persuasively without reliance on prepared materials. Sound judgment in unscripted environments, including the ability to: Frame issues strategically, Answer difficult or unexpected questions, Clearly state when further information is needed, Protect Company interests while maintaining credibility. Polished written and verbal communication skills suited for regulators, legislators, executives, and trade association leaders. The ability to evaluate legislative and regulatory proposals through both regulatory and customer-impact lenses. The ability to ensure lobbying positions are grounded in customer-centric values, compliance, and long-term sustainability. The ability to communicate policy implications internally in a clear, practical, and actionable manner. This role requires a professional who can “show up well” in any room — from congressional offices to NAIC meetings to executive leadership sessions — and represent the Company with confidence, clarity, and alignment to the best interests of our policyholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree (JD, MPA, MBA, or related field) preferred.
7+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, regulatory affairs, or insurance advocacy.
Demonstrated success influencing public policy at the state and/or federal level.
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
Experience engaging with trade associations, regulators, and elected officials.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to operate with discretion, political sensitivity, and executive maturity.
Ability to thrive in high-visibility, ambiguous, and fast-moving environments.