Vice President, Federal Government Relations

Position:            Vice President, Federal Government Relations

Location(s):       Washington, DC

Setting:              Hybrid

Reports to:        Vice President, Head of U.S. Government Relations

Travel:                10%

MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. We’re united by our purpose to help our customers and each other create a confident future; we’re guided by empathy; and we’re inspired by each other to make a difference in the lives of our coworkers, customers, communities, and the world at large. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!

The Team You Will Join

The Vice President for Federal Government Relations will join a global government relations team in Washington, DC and report to the Head of U.S. Government Relations.  Global Government Relations works with business lines and enterprise functions on MetLife’s engagement in public policy matters at various levels of government in the U.S. and across the globe. Through these collaborative partnerships, we can formulate the best advocacy strategy to meet the needs of the company and its stakeholders. In addition to leveraging our relationships with government officials, our advocacy strategies include internal resources, such as the grassroots program, Global Communications, and Global Sustainability.

The Opportunity

The Vice President for Federal Government Relations will be responsible for representing the company’s interests before the U.S. Government (Congress, Executive Offices, and Agencies) and key third parties (trade group associations, non-governmental organizations, etc.).  Candidates will have a track record of responsible decision making and success in a complex Government Affairs function, possessing a demonstrated and clear reputation for excellence and integrity in the government affairs community. They will promote a collaborative work environment with colleagues across MetLife’s global Government Relations team, helping them to leverage each other’s strengths and build and maintain a strong network of relationships with policymakers.

The incumbent will leverage expertise and relationships with governmental and industry stakeholders to achieve MetLife’s public policy goals and help deliver superior shareholder value. The candidate will have strong, high-level relationships with policymakers and officials, and will assist the Head of Federal Government Relations in designing, implementing, and coordinating the company’s strategic direction as it relates to advocating on policy priorities before U.S. policy makers, third-party allies, and industry partners on specific, high priority initiatives.

 How You’ll Help Us Build a Confident Future:

• Assist in the development and implementation of effective advocacy strategies for key business priorities requiring advocacy in the U.S. (U.S. business, enterprise, and international business priorities). Ensure the Company is among the leading voices in public policy debates affecting its interests and businesses.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts effectively with Government Relations peers in a high-performing, collaborative team environment. Help manage outside consulting and trade association resources to achieve MetLife’s legislative and regulatory goals.
• Deliver timely communications to internal stakeholders regarding regulatory/legislative/policy developments that could impact the business to ensure an opportunity to influence outcomes. Executive-level writing and communication skills are essential.
• Establish trusted relationships with key business partners within the U.S. Business, Tax Department, Law Department, Investor Relations Department, Corporate Affairs Department, and the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Build a strong network of support among key external stakeholders (Congress, U.S. Administrative and regulatory agencies, trade associations, and third party influencers) to enhance advocacy efforts.

What You Need to Succeed (Required Qualifications):

With a minimum of ten years relevant government affairs experience, candidates will have expert familiarity with Capitol Hill and the legislative process. Candidates’ experience would ideally include exposure to policy and legislative activities specific to the insurance, healthcare, retirement and/or financial services sector.

• Experience as a senior government relations specialist with a global company or applicable trade group is preferred. Congressional, agency and/or White House experience is required.
• A team player with a proactive approach to people and issues management. Must partner with others across the organization with candor and transparency.
• An understanding of substantive domestic and international policy issues in the insurance/financial services/healthcare/retirement sectors. Deep functional experience in government and public affairs, with proven relationship and coalition building skills.
• A thorough understanding of the legislative and executive policymaking process, including an understanding of the roles and decision points in the legislative and executive bodies, as well as the role of think tanks, associations and related organizations.
• Significant political relations expertise, including exceptional contacts with House and Senate leadership and Committee Chairs. Strong bipartisan House and Senate contacts also needed across specific committees of jurisdiction related to insurance, healthcare, retirement and financial services issues.
• An ability to effectively interact with business clients, including executive leadership and senior management; able to effectively influence and manage key relationships with a keen focus on collaboration and open communication.
• Ability to deliver timely, executive-caliber written and verbal communication to the Office of the CEO, Executive Leadership and other senior business partners across the enterprise.
• An ability to anticipate emerging government, public or community/social issues of importance to the industry and to position the company effectively to handle such issues in all aspects.
• Strong analytical ability and oral and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills; Able to manage multiple long- and short-term projects with overlapping deadlines.
• Highly self-motivated work ethic; demonstrating sound judgment, trustworthiness, initiative, and an ability to manage multiple priorities with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to travel to NY and other locations approximately 10% of the time.

What Will Give You an Edge (Additional Skills)

• Strong understanding of retirement benefits and the impact proposed regulations and/or legislation could have on product offerings. 
• Interaction with relevant congressional committees and staff responsible for insurance and retirement policies.

Salary Range: The wage range for applicants for this position is between $204,900 and $273,200.

Benefits We Offer

Our U.S. benefit programs are geared toward health and wellness, financial protection, and retirement savings. In addition to comprehensive health coverage including medical/prescription drug, dental, vision, and no-cost short- and long-term disability benefits also include:

• Retirement plan (cash balance pension) with a minimum monthly contribution regardless of an employee’s pay and 401(k) with employer matching.
• Company-paid life insurance and legal services, and discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs.
• Expert support for medical second opinions, cancer care navigation, diabetes and hypertension, weight loss/fitness, joint and spine health, caregiving, and more.
• Generous paid time off, including a floating cultural heritage day.
• Paid volunteer time off and charitable contribution match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Family benefits including paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, child and eldercare support, college advising program.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at accommodations@metlife.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.