AVP, Government Relations

This position is the face of Manulife to state regulatory and legislative bodies. The role also supports broader state and federal outreach across the business as this capacity the incumbent develops and maintains relationships with key regulators industry and trade associations legislators consumer groups and other stakeholders to advance the companys interests. Given the high-profile nature of the rolewhich requires a sophisticated insurance regulatory professional capable of operating with considerable autonomythe successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator negotiator and creative problem-solver who demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing Manulifes priorities across a wide variety of forums.

Key Responsibilities:

Individual Responsibilities:

Deliver product new business/rerate and marketing approvals in a timely manner to support business unit financial goals
Implement and manage the state and federal relations strategy including meeting/call participation; drafting responses for complex state issues and position papers; supporting contracts and actuarial partners; developing regulatory tools; and setting tracking and executing follow-up schedules
Develop and execute a focused state and federal relations strategy aligned to business priorities
Lead preparation for all hearings including serving as liaison drafting testimony and coordinating responses and attendance
Proactively participate in legislative and regulatory forums (e.g. state NAIC and federal) to help shape laws and regulations and preserve a healthy competitive marketplace
Partner with lines of business as a collaborating subject matter expert for actuarial and forms filing teams
Develop clear compelling messaging to address complex and difficult objections
Provide a leadership role for Legal across initiatives projects and key stakeholder engagements
Provide input as needed on complex market conduct and complaint matters
Provide independent leadership of the filing strategy including drafting and negotiating approvals
Demonstrate strong achievement orientation and continuously identify opportunities to improve; push for results; and motivate teams toward shared goals
Lead effectively in ambiguous high-pressure environments by providing guidance and demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a rapidly changing landscape
Act as a practical risk-taker focused on continuous learning and self-development
Collaborate effectively with peers while remaining highly self-driven to identify solutions overcome challenges and deliver objectives
Operate with a high degree of autonomy in an efficient self-directed manner

Life and LTC Regulatory Environment:
- Lead Department of Insurance (DOI) and legislative interactions to achieve company objectives while maintaining strong relationships with public policy makers
- Develop and execute strategies to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
- Monitor and assess new legislative and regulatory proposals; determine business impact and develop response strategies to help shape laws and regulations and preserve a healthy and competitive market
- Support a federal state NAIC Compact and broader regulatory environment that enables a healthy marketplace and promotes reasonable responsible laws/regulations across key topics (e.g. rate stabilization settlements chronic illness claims practices genetic testing)
- Cultivate and maintain senior DOI relationships to support rerate actions product discussions and filings; maintain leadership positions in trade/industry groups to drive policy favorable to Manulife the business unit and the industry
- Provide input on ACLI/AHIP NAIC/state DOI letters and position statements

New Product & Expansion Initiatives:
- Partner with filing teams to respond seamlessly to multiple and/or shifting priorities supporting management objectives and growth initiatives
- Direct and advise teams on Government Relations strategy for product initiatives as needed
- Draft and/or support position papers addressing complex state issues as required
- Build institutional knowledge on new offerings (e.g. group insurance wellness voluntary benefits) as needed
- Coordinate and manage DOI communications as well as outside counsel and/or consultants as required

Senior Management Support & GLTC Maintenance:
- Advise and support senior management on product compliance regulatory legislative and industry issues; provide assistance as requested

Key Shared Responsibilities:
Partner with key leaders across the US Life Insurance business to obtain required regulatory approvals for new products
Represent Manulife internally and externally through trade association engagement and related advocacy

Job Requirements:

JD and/or MBA strongly preferred
Deep product compliance and insurance background required
10 years of senior-level experience with a strong background in advanced regulatory and/or legislative advocacy
Senior trade association experience highly desired
Demonstrated people leadership and management experience
In-depth knowledge of product and compliance practices
Ability to contribute technical expertise to the development and evolution of Manulifes product management as a core competency
Market savvy with sound awareness of industry practices and distributor expectations
Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills
Highly developed negotiation influence networking and stakeholder management skills
Excellent communication skills (written verbal and presentation) and strong judgment
Results orientation with an ability to think creatively and execute effectively
Strong business acumen with an understanding of business operations and associated financial dynamics
Broad understanding of Manulifes organizational structure businesses and operations
Ability to work effectively across corporate functions and executive levels within Manulife and MFC
Ability to influence and collaborate within the business unit to achieve successful outcomes
Ability to translate technical concepts into business implications; strong problem-solving skills and creativity in developing analyses and presenting results

At Manulife/JohnHancock we embrace our diversity. We strive to attractdevelopandretaina workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment retentionadvancement and compensation and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race ancestry place of origincolour ethnic origin citizenship religion or religious beliefs creed sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions) sexual orientation genetic characteristics veteran status gender identity gender expression age marital status family status disability or any other ground protected by applicable law.

This job description is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties required for this role. We reserve the right to change these duties or assign additional duties at any time with or without notice.

When you join our team:

• Well empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• Well recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team well support you in shaping the future you want to see.

The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us visit is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment retention advancement and compensation and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race ancestry place of origin colour ethnic origin citizenship religion or religious beliefs creed sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions) sexual orientation genetic characteristics veteran status gender identity gender expression age marital status family status disability or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process contact .

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge skills qualifications experience and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location please contact for the salary range for your location.

Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits including health dental mental health vision short- and long-term disability life and AD&D insurance coverage adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays 3 personal days 150 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

We use data and analytics technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automated processing tools to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information please refer to our personal information collection statement.

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