Chief Government & Political Affairs Officer

Role Description

The Chief Government & Political Affairs Officer leads IRI’s federal legislative affairs, advocacy, and political programs, including development of the annual Federal Retirement Security Blueprint and execution of strategic advocacy initiatives. The role requires proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build bipartisan support to advance IRI’s retirement security priorities, serving as IRI’s senior federal legislative representative and policy voice. Builds and manages relationships with Congress and key stakeholders and serves as an IRI spokesperson as coordinated with the Chief Strategic Communications Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (Master’s or J.D.) preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy or advocacy.
• Experience in retirement security, tax, insurance, labor and employment, securities, or financial services policy preferred.

Requirements

• Significant association government affairs experience and/or senior policy experience in one or more of the following:
  • Congressional office (e.g., Chief of Staff, Senior Policy Advisor, Counsel).
  • Federal executive branch (e.g., Congressional Affairs or policy office).
  • Trade association or private-sector government affairs, including experience representing a member company of an industry association.
• Deep knowledge of the federal legislative process.
• Strong bipartisan relationships and an established network to gather intelligence, build coalitions, and advance policy objectives.
• Ability to quickly synthesize complex issues and lead advocacy, grassroots, legislative, and communications strategies.
• Proven credibility as an advocate, lobbyist, and communicator with policymakers and industry leaders.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation, communication, and consensus-building skills.
• Professional spokesperson presence and high integrity.

Benefits

• Remote role based in the Washington, DC metro area.
• Regular travel and in-person engagement in the DC area and beyond.

Company Description

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is the leading association for the entire supply chain of insured retirement strategies, including life insurers, asset managers, broker-dealers, banks, marketing organizations, law firms, and solution providers. IRI members account for 90 percent of annuity assets in the U.S., include the foremost distributors of protected lifetime income solutions, and are represented by financial professionals serving millions of Americans. IRI champions retirement security for all through leadership in advocacy, awareness, research, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the advancement of digital solutions within a collaborative industry community.