VP Government Affairs

Western & Southern Financial Group•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Western & Southern Financial Group's government affairs function. Responsible for shaping and advancing the company's public policy agenda at the federal, state and local levels while ensuring alignment with business objectives. Advises the CEO, General Counsel and executive leadership on legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities, builds strong relationships with policymakers, and ensures compliance with lobbying and ethics requirements. Oversees the W&S PAC and its contributions to candidates, the annual solicitation of officers, and FEC filings. Represents Western & Southern in key industry trade groups such as ACLI, ALIC, AOLIC, NAIC, NOHLGA and LICONY, as well as other coalitions. Provides advocacy on priority issues impacting insurance, financial services, taxation, retirement security, technology, and emerging regulatory matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Business, Actuarial or related field - Required
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, legislative, or regulatory roles in insurance, financial services, or related industries. Required - Required
Demonstrated success in developing and executing advocacy strategies with measurable outcomes. - Required
Strong experience building and maintaining bipartisan relationships with legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders. - Required
Proven leadership and team management skills with ability to influence at the highest levels of business and government. - Required
Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with ability to convey complex policy issues clearly. - Required
Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments. - Required
In-depth knowledge of insurance and financial services regulatory frameworks. - Required
Ability to anticipate and respond to rapidly evolving political, legislative and regulatory landscapes. - Required
Familiarity with AI governance, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. - Required
Skilled at stakeholder engagement, coalition building and representing corporate interests externally. - Required
High ethical standards and integrity in all advocacy efforts. - Required
Must exercise great discretion and complete confidentiality while dealing with a variety of sensitive issues. - Required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and experience with policy tracking and reporting systems. - Required
Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree Master's Degree Public Policy, Law, or related advanced degree - Preferred

Responsibilities

Develops and leads the company's government affairs strategy, aligning advocacy efforts with long-term corporate goals.
Monitors and analyzes legislative, regulatory, and political developments at the federal, state, and local levels, providing timely insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
Represents Western & Southern before legislators, regulators, and trade associations; builds bipartisan relationships to advance company objectives.
Actively participates in and represents the company within industry organizations such as ACLI, ALIC, AOLIC, NAIC, NOHLGA, and LICONY, shaping collective advocacy and policy priorities. • Attends three NAIC meetings and four NOLHGA meetings annually (typically 3-4 days each)• Serves on three state guaranty association boards (OH, IN & GA)
Leads advocacy efforts on priority issues including insurance regulation, financial services policy, tax, retirement security, data privacy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence governance.
Acts as primary liaison to business organizations including the Business Roundtable, the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.
Drafts correspondence for executive leadership on a wide variety of business, regulatory and political issues.
Advises the CEO, executive team and Board on potential risks, opportunities, and strategic responses related to public policy.
Serves as Treasurer of the W&S PAC and oversees its contributions to candidates, the annual solicitation of officers, and all FEC filings. Vets and facilitates compliance approvals of proposed political contributions by CEO.
Ensures compliance with lobbying disclosure laws, campaign finance rules and ethics standards.
Collaborates with internal leaders across Law, Compliance, Risk, IT, Operations, and Corporate Communications to ensure unified advocacy and messaging.
Manages relationships with external consultants, lobbyists, and government relations counterparts.
Prepares summaries for executive leadership on legislative activity, regulatory trends, and advocacy outcomes.
Leads and develops the government affairs team, fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and effective engagement.
Represents the company in political, economic, civic, and industry forums, enhancing Western & Southern's reputation and influence. Regularly attends political fundraisers and events.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Complies with all policies and standards.