Ohio Government Relations & Political Program Administration Specialist

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

36d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is within Nationwide's Legal team, focusing on government relations and political program administration in Ohio. The specialist will act as a registered lobbyist, assist in formulating legislative and policy initiatives, and monitor issues before lawmakers. The position requires a strong understanding of the Ohio Revised Code and its impact on the company's operations. It involves working on high-profile issues, maintaining confidentiality, and engaging with senior leadership. The role also supports the Ohio Department of Insurance, trade associations, and manages campaign finance and reporting for lobbyists and the Nationwide Ohio PAC. Additionally, it involves administrative support for the Civic Action Program (CAP) and tracking lobbying expenses. The Government Relations team works with public officials to create a favorable political and regulatory environment, providing industry expertise to help government leaders address customer needs. The Specialist will represent Nationwide's interests on legislation, support election involvement activities, and ensure political compliance.

Requirements

Undergraduate studies in political science, finance, business or other related areas.
Four years demonstrated ability in legislative representation, federal congressional office, state office, federal/state regulatory agency and/or trade association.
Developing knowledge of the political process and structure, legislative system and operations of regulatory agencies.
Knowledge of Nationwide business operations.
Ability to encourage trust and confidence from elected and appointed officials and their staff, as well as other industry representatives.
Proven track record in conducting legislative and legal research, including the ability to use government agency computer databases and other information databases and computer programs.
Proven knowledge of campaign finance laws and election involvement activities.
Strong verbal and interpersonal skills.
Ability to operate computer and related business software.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

High degree of legislative and political acumen.

Responsibilities

Act as a registered lobbyist on behalf of Nationwide on matters pending before the Ohio General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and Administrative Agencies.
Assist Ohio Government Relations leader and team members on formulating legislative and policy initiatives impacting the Ohio Revised Code and rule-making process.
Monitor, report, and engage on issues before lawmakers and policy staff.
Assist with matters pending before the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Keep Nationwide leaders informed of legislative and regulatory activities.
Attend legislative committee meetings; write necessary testimony on company position; arrange for technical staff testimony.
Support trade associations, advisory committees, coalitions, and task forces working on public policy issues affecting Nationwide.
Manage campaign finance, registration, reporting, and other matters for Nationwide registered lobbyists.
Support the Nationwide Ohio PAC Board, Budget, and Financial Tracking.
Engage in fundraising efforts to increase Nationwide Ohio PAC members and contributions.
Request, process, and report Nationwide PAC contributions.
Attend events on behalf of the Nationwide PAC program.
Assist in federal, state, and local PAC administrative duties, including RSVPing for political events.
Assist in updating federal, state, and local PAC contribution tracking charts and preparing financial/compliance reports.
Assist in the creation of Nationwide PAC content for communications and associate solicitation purposes and event planning.
Assist in the development of CAP content for communications supporting Nationwide grassroots initiatives and event planning.
Monitor and track lobbying expenses for Ohio registered lobbyists and submit JLEC reports.
Process invoices for lobbying expenses, trade/membership dues, etc., including making copies of and mailing contributions.
Provide administrative support for team leaders engaging in NAIC, NCOIL, and public policy activities.
Support briefings, internal newsletters, team meetings, and a centralized team SharePoint site.
Assist with travel and expense reports.
Keep tracking legislation and regulatory activities that could affect the company.
Act as a liaison to state officials and federal government representatives.
Attend committee hearings, advocate to lawmakers and staff on issues impacting Nationwide, and build external relationships with policy makers.
Maintain channels of communication to bring Nationwide's views to the attention of federal government officials.
Assist with developing technical input to officials to impact decisions.
Serve on and collaborate with Nationwide committees/teams to assist in developing favorable legislative policies.
Support Government Relations leaders serving on national boards and act as a liaison on policy matters.
Maintain contact with lawmakers and staff and other interested parties; attend political fundraising events.
Conduct legislative research and analysis; determine potential impact to the organization.
Provide summaries and reports on policies and issues.
Attend legislative and regulator meetings to monitor activities; assist in the development of testimony on Nationwide’s position.
Support political compliance activities, filing of disclosure forms, tracking of election data, creation of political action committee budget, staffing of political action committee advisory board, and reconciling political action committee financials.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.