Sun Life · 1 month ago
VP, Government Relations, Sun Life U.S.
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
Full-time
Onsite
Senior LevelSun Life is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits in the U.S. The Vice President, Government Relations will manage public policy and government affairs, creating strategies to support Sun Life’s interests with government officials and regulatory bodies while overseeing a team and external lobbying firms.
FinanceFinancial ServicesInsurance
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
Qualification
Required
Expert-level government affairs professional
Extensive experience in public policy and federal and state government relations, especially in the healthcare industry
Strategic thinker and effective implementer
Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment
Collaboration with senior executives and other teams
Skilled at identifying and addressing public policy issues and risks
Effective communication skills, both as a public representative and as a supportive team member
Ability to quickly build internal relationships and work well with executives and staff at all levels
Leadership and management skills, including the ability to match talent to company needs and lead motivated teams
High standards of ethics and compliance
Understands business strategy and connects priorities to public policy to advance company interests
Record of achieving legislative, regulatory, and policy goals for similar organizations
Understands the complexities of operating in multiple jurisdictions
Communicates policy and regulatory issues clearly
Quickly grasps and addresses issues facing Sun Life
Develops and executes strategic plans for government relations
Creates and implements creative policy and relationship strategies
Thinks independently and presents creative ideas
Understands trends affecting Sun Life's business
Makes recommendations and decisions based on facts and company culture
Balances strategic priorities with operational challenges
Experience with large, matrixed organizations and the ability to work closely and collaboratively with internal stakeholders
Builds effective relationships inside and outside the company
Leverages internal relationships to understand business needs
Is viewed as trustworthy and credible by senior executives
Represents the company well to external audiences and builds coalitions
Shares information openly and seeks input
Skilled at advocacy and persuasion
Sets ambitious, measurable goals and takes responsibility for results
Manages competing priorities in a fast-changing environment
Makes decisions and accepts accountability
Handles a rigorous schedule and assesses risk
Drives positive change and operates with urgency
Uses resources effectively
Communicates and solves problems in ambiguous situations
Manages and motivates teams to achieve public policy and government relations goals
Demonstrated leadership skills with a high performing team working independently and performing complex assignments
Developing, coordinating and executing strategies, including managing remote staff
Leads with inspiration and develops talent
Recruits, develops, and retains government relations talent
Benefits
Generous vacation and sick time
Market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave
Medical coverage
Company paid life and AD&D insurance
Disability programs
Partially paid sabbatical program
401(k) employer match
Stock purchase options
Employer-funded retirement account
Flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth
Company
Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading financial services organization dedicated to helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
Founded in 1865
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.05B2024-05-13Post Ipo Debt· $548.79M
2023-07-04Post Ipo Debt· $500M
2000-03-24IPO
Leadership Team
Kevin Strain
President & CEO
Luc Nhon Ly
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2025-12-02
MarketScreener
2025-12-02
South China Morning Post
2025-11-27
Company data provided by crunchbase