VP, Government Relations, U.S
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Government
Government Affairs -
Management
Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop‑loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.
Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.
Job Description Vice President, Government Relations, Sun Life U.S.The Vice President, Government Relations, Sun Life U.S. manages public policy and government affairs for Sun Life's U.S. Business Group. This is a highly visible role, accountable for creating and carrying out strategies to support Sun Life's interests with government officials and regulatory bodies. Ideally located in Wellesley Hills, MA this person will run daily government affairs operations and advise the President and U.S. Executive Team on important state and federal political matters.
Reporting to the U.S. General Counsel, they will oversee a team and several external lobbying firms, build relationships with key policymakers, and represent the company to officials at all levels, including governors, legislators, and Congress.
Reports to:
Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Sun Life U.S. and matrixed to the SVP & Head, Global Government Affairs and Public Policy Direct Reports: 5
Other Key Relationships: U.S. Executive Leadership Team, External Parties and Stakeholders
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain relationships with government officials at all levels to support Sun Life's reputation and strategy.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly to government and business leaders.
- Advise the President and Senior Leadership Team on political trends and policy proposals.
- Develop and implement strategies for federal and state government relations.
- Manage both proactive and reactive government relations efforts across all states.
- Connect company leadership with key decision‑makers.
- Collaborate with business development, sales, and client services to work effectively with government customers.
- Coordinate with sales, strategy, communications, and external partners on state and federal initiatives.
- Oversee lobbyists and political consultants to ensure effective representation.
- Manage the company's political action committees (PAC) and increase contributions, ensuring compliance with all rules.
- Set and communicate clear measures of success for strategic initiatives.
- Oversee the annual budget and ensure responsible resource management.
- Work with trade associations and advocacy groups to advance the company's interests.
The ideal candidate is an expert-level government affairs professional, with extensive experience in public policy and federal and state government relations, especially in the healthcare industry. They should be a strategic thinker and effective implementer, able to work in a fast‑paced, regulated environment. Collaboration with senior executives and other teams is essential. The candidate should be skilled at identifying and addressing public policy issues and risks, communicating complex ideas, and securing buy‑in from others.
They must understand the impact of government affairs on a company operating in many jurisdictions and be able to build bipartisan relationships. Effective communication skills are required, both as a public representative and as a supportive team member. The candidate should quickly build internal relationships and work well with executives and staff at all levels. Leadership and management skills are important, including the ability to match talent to company needs and lead motivated teams.
High standards of ethics and compliance are required.
- Understands business strategy and connects priorities to public policy to advance company interests.
- Has a record of achieving legislative, regulatory,…
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