Northwestern Mutual

Vice President-Regulatory and State Relations

Northwestern Mutual$220K — $330K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, Business Administration, Law, Public Policy, or related field required; advanced degrees preferred.
  • 10+ years in regulatory affairs, government relations, public policy, or insurance-related leadership.
  • Deep expertise in state insurance regulatory frameworks and NAIC processes.
  • Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and influence policy at state/national levels.
  • Strong leadership skills for managing cross-functional teams and external consultants.
  • Exceptional analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Demonstrated capacity to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and implementation of lobbying, regulatory, and advocacy strategies.
  • Advise CEO and senior leaders on regulatory and legislative priority issues.
  • Establish and lead enterprise state regulatory strategies and initiatives.
  • Oversee state legislative strategy and support to achieve objectives.
  • Identify and develop state regulatory positions in collaboration with various departments.
  • Represent the company at industry events and engage with key external stakeholders.
  • Communicate strategic implications of legislative developments to internal stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Generous paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
  • Flexible work arrangements and support for work-life balance.
Full Job Description

Summary

The Vice President – Regulatory and State Relations will be a key enterprise leader responsible for prioritizing, shaping and driving the company’s state regulatory and legislative strategy. This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in legislative, regulatory, and public policy environments, particularly within the insurance and

financial services industries.

The successful candidate will serve as the company’s senior leader for state regulatory policy, regulator engagement, and state-level advocacy strategy. This leader will also serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior company leaders on state regulatory and legislative risks, opportunities, emerging trends, and priority issues requiring enterprise attention.

The role will serve as a primary liaison with state regulatory bodies, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), national industry trade associations, international insurance groups, and other industry stakeholders. The position will work closely with Government Relations colleagues, business line leaders, and legal and compliance professionals to identify, prioritize, and advance regulatory and legislative objectives aligned with enterprise priorities.

This role will provide leadership for the state legislative and regulatory affairs function, including direct or matrixed oversight of internal staff, external consultants, and advocacy partners. The leader will be expected to set clear priorities, coordinate cross-functional execution, develop talent, and ensure the organization has the relationships, expertise, and operating discipline needed to advance the company’s objectives across state and regulatory arenas.

Frequent domestic and occasional international travel is required to maintain relationships, represent the company at key industry events, and engage directly with regulators, policymakers, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • State Legislative and Regulatory Leadership: Work closely with Government Relations colleagues and business leaders across the company to prioritize issues and develop and implement impactful lobbying, regulatory, and advocacy strategies.
  • Executive Counsel and CEO Advisory: Advise the CEO, senior company leaders, and other executive stakeholders on priority state regulatory and legislative matters, including emerging risks, strategic opportunities, enterprise tradeoffs, and issues that may require Board-level awareness.
  • State Regulatory Strategy: Establish and lead the enterprise’s state regulatory strategy, anticipating regulatory trends and positioning the company to influence outcomes and respond effectively to regulatory change.
  • State Legislative Management: Oversee state legislative strategy and staff to achieve company objectives.
  • Issue Identification, Prioritization, and Policy Development: Own the identification, analysis, and prioritization of state regulatory issues, partnering with Legal, Compliance, Product, Distribution, Operations, and other business areas to develop clear, defensible, and enterprise-aligned company positions.
  • Industry Engagement: Represent the company at NAIC, national industry trade associations, international insurance forums, and other industry meetings, leadership forums, working groups, and committees; advocate for company and industry positions; and foster trusted relationships with key domestic and international stakeholders.
  • Strategic Communication: Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to provide timely updates on legislative and regulatory developments, company positions, strategic implications, and recommended actions.
  • Governance and Alignment: Ensure consistency between state regulatory positions, federal policy stances, industry advocacy, and enterprise issue-management processes, resolving conflicts and recommending strategic tradeoffs when needed.
  • Travel Requirements: Engage in frequent domestic and occasional international travel to state capitals, Washington, DC, regulator meetings, executive engagements, international industry convenings, and other industry events to build and maintain strategic relationships.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, Business Administration, Law, Public Policy, or a related field required; master’s degree, JD, or other advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, public policy, or a similar leadership role within the insurance, financial services, trade association, or regulatory environment.
  • Deep expertise in state insurance regulatory frameworks, state legislative processes, regulator engagement, NAIC processes, and multi-state regulatory initiatives.
  • Proven track record of successfully navigating complex regulatory environments and influencing policy at state and national levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate at the enterprise leadership level, advising senior executives and influencing outcomes through strategic judgment, collaboration, credibility, and executive presence.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage state legislative staff, and oversee external consultants.
  • Exceptional analytical, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory environments into clear strategic direction.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups, including regulators, policymakers, trade associations, industry peers, and senior company leaders.
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

Competencies

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically and strategically about regulatory impacts, opportunities, risks, and enterprise priorities.
  • Executive Advisory Capability: Ability to provide sound, practical, and timely counsel to the CEO and senior company leaders on complex and high-stakes regulatory and legislative matters.
  • Negotiation and Communication Skills: Skilled advocate and negotiator with the ability to represent the company’s interests effectively in regulatory, legislative, and industry settings.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to address complex regulatory challenges and recommend clear, actionable solutions.
  • Industry Insight: Deep understanding of the insurance industry, state regulatory landscape, NAIC processes, and the relationship between regulatory policy and business strategy.
  • Enterprise Collaboration: Ability to lead through influence, align cross-functional partners, and drive consistent policy positions across business areas.
  • Relationship Leadership: Proven ability to develop and sustain trusted relationships with regulators, policymakers, trade associations, industry peers, and internal stakeholders.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$220,000.00

Pay Range - End:

$330,000.00

This role is eligible for additional short-term and long-term incentive compensation.


We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

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Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
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