Government Relations Counsel

At Equitable, our power is in our people.
We're individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you'll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential?

The Equitable Law Department’s Mission is to serve as Equitable’s trusted counsel empowering Equitable to pursue its noble purpose by upholding the highest standards, forging collaborative relationships, and delivering creative solutions.

At Equitable we have reimagined how we want to work and are guided by principles of inclusivity, flexibility and connection. Come join Equitable's Legal team and enjoy working for a leading financial company with an amazing and diverse culture! We offer a flexible hybrid office/remote work environment, and this position is located in our New York City location (1345 Avenue of the Americas).

The Government Relations team is looking for an experienced attorney with strong networking skills and an understanding of life insurance regulation to join the Government Relations team within the Regulatory Affairs practice group of the Equitable Law Department reporting to the Head of Regulatory Affairs.

The Regulatory Affairs practice group is responsible for the Company’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts, including identifying potential avenues for such advocacy and devising strategies to achieve the Company’s advocacy goals. The practice group also provides counsel on state insurance and reinsurance legal issues impacting the insurance products offered by the Company. The practice group includes the Government Relations team as well as a team of state insurance attorneys.

The Government Relations team is responsible for:

• Serving as the primary point of contact with Federal and state regulators for Equitable and its insurance companies, including representation of the Company before state insurance departments and other regulatory bodies
• Representing the Company within industry trade organizations with respect to issues affecting the life insurance industry in general, as well as managing the Company’s relationships with such organizations
• Identifying legislative and regulatory changes that could potentially impact the Company, partnering with affected business areas to determine the Company’s position, and devising and executing advocacy strategies to advance the Company’s position

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the Company before state and federal regulators as well as within state and national trade organizations, and coordinating efforts of outside firms and lobbyists, in each case to drive the Company’s agenda related to various advocacy initiatives
• Maintaining and developing relationships with key decisionmakers at both the state and federal level with respect to laws and regulations affecting the life insurance industry
• Identifying and supporting the development of the Company’s legislative and regulatory priorities, liaising with internal partners to develop the Company’s position on pending legislation and regulation, and devising strategies to advance the Company’s priorities/positions
• Responding to regulatory inquiries, including reviewing relevant state and federal laws and regulations and managing internal and external resources as appropriate

Travel: This role will require 25% travel.

The base salary range for this position is $135,000-$167,000. Actual base salaries vary based on skills, experience, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, Equitable provides compensation to reward performance with base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligibility for these programs depends on level and functional area of responsibility.

For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below.

Equitable Pay and Benefits: Equitable Total Rewards Program

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Juris Doctorate
• 10 years of legal experience, including experience with regulatory issues affecting the life insurance industry
• Professional, energetic, team-player with outgoing personality and positive attitude and outlook
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a legislative office (Congressional or state)
• Capable of persuasively articulating positions to key decisionmakers and of offering clear advice on complex issues to business professionals at every level of the Company
• Ability to both “think on your feet” and think creatively
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while handling multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated sense of ownership of tasks and responsibilities and a leadership mindset

Skills

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understand the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high-level of precision.

Effective Communication: Understand effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Legal Analysis: Knowledge of methods and tools used in legal analysis; ability to read, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from both legal and factual information.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Strategic Thinking: Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by treating everyone with respect and dignity, ensuring all voices are heard and advocating for change.

ABOUT EQUITABLE
At Equitable, we’re a team of over ten thousand strong; committed to helping our clients secure their financial well-being so that they can pursue long and fulfilling lives.
We turn challenges into opportunities by thinking, working, and leading differently – where everyone is a leader. We encourage every employee to leverage their unique talents to become a force for good at Equitable and in their local communities.
We are continuously investing in our people by offering growth, internal mobility, comprehensive compensation and benefits to support overall well-being, flexibility, and a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
We are looking for talented, dedicated, purposeful people who want to make an impact. Join Equitable and pursue a career with purpose.
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Equitable is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to our employees, applicants and candidates based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or any other class protected by federal, state and local laws.
NOTE: Equitable participates in the E-Verify program.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform the essential job functions of this position, please contact Human Resources at (212) 314-2211 or email us at TalentAcquisition@equitable.com.

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