Avp, Federal Government Relations

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.
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Location: We support US virtual working arrangements in the contiguous 48 states, however for this role we require the successful candidate to be located on the East Coast, preferably near Washington, D.C..
At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America.
The opportunity:
This role will lead the federal government relations activities for Sun Life U.S., planning and executing on a comprehensive, proactive and effective government relations strategy that advances the organization’s priorities.
How you will contribute:
Issue Identification and Advocacy

• Consult with the VP, Head of Government Relations to identify significant and relevant public policy, legislative, regulatory and industry issues, and to identify Sun Life’s position on those issues
• Develop positions on public policy and industry issues in the U.S. that impact Sun Life
• Assist the business units in defining their advocacy priorities and preparing submissions on public policy, legislative and regulatory issues, and provide guidance and counsel to the business units on government affairs, including strategies and tactics to achieve their business objectives
• Monitor industry issues, policy developments, and proposed legislation and regulation that affect Sun Life’s business operations

Develop and manage Congressional and Federal Agency Relationships

• Build and maintain open and effective relationships with federal elected and appointed government officials to ensure that Sun Life’s positions on issues are understood and facilitate the development of relationships between company representatives and key government officials
• Coordinate non-routine contacts between business units and government officials regarding matters before government bodies, including regulatory agencies (approvals, consultations, information requests, etc.)
• Lead federal PAC activities, including recommending use of federal PAC funds

Coordinate Trade Association Relationships

• Periodically assess each industry association and evaluate the nature and extent of Sun Life’s involvement and recommend continued involvement or new memberships to senior leadership
• Ensure each business unit has representatives appointed to appropriate trade association committees so they can monitor developments and actively participate in the work of those committees relevant to the business unit’s activities. Such representatives would be primarily responsible for monitoring the developments of the issues of concern to their business unit
• Attend trade association and government meetings to monitor substantive policy developments and to develop and maintain professional relationships (ACLI, AHIP, NADP, etc.) and distribute information about those meetings to senior leaders and business units
• Manage Sun Life relationships with industry associations, coalitions, and similar organizations, including its positions on substantive lobbying priorities, research agenda and administrative matters and maximize the value of Sun Life’s investment in industry associations
• Confer with those representatives regularly to evaluate the significance of each development, the approach being taken by the trade association, and the role Sun Life is playing or should be playing with respect to supporting, opposing or monitoring the issue

What you will bring with you:

• 10+ years of experience in either a federal government agency, Congressional office, or Government relations role
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• A Bachelor’s degree is required, JD or advanced degree is preferred

Do you see yourself in this role even if you haven’t checked all the boxes above? We welcome all talented candidates and are committed to a culture that represents diversity in all forms. If you think you might thrive in this setting, we would love to hear from you.
Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!
Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

• Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S.
• A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture
• Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more
• Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running
• Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are a New York resident, the salary range for this position is $ 188,500 - $282,800 annually.
We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits.
Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.
At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email [email protected] to request an accommodation.
At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.
For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.
Job Category:
Communications
Posting End Date:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.