Head of Government Relations

Physicians Mutual is seeking a strategic Government Relations Officer to lead our state and federal public policy engagement.

This role goes beyond tracking legislation. It anticipates emerging regulatory trends, shapes advocacy strategy, strengthens key policymaker relationships, and ensures our company maintains a respected and influential voice in discussions that impact our policyholders and business. We’re looking for a seasoned public policy professional with executive presence, political acumen, and a proven ability to influence outcomes.

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, the Government Relations Officer serves as the Company’s strategic leader for state and federal public policy engagement. The role goes beyond monitoring and interpreting legislation.

• Anticipates emerging legislative and regulatory trends
• Develops proactive strategies to influence public policy outcomes
• Positions Physicians Mutual effectively with policymakers and regulators
• Ensures the Company maintains both a strong voice and a respected presence in policy discussions impacting our business

The incumbent serves as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership, translating complex statutes and regulations into actionable business insight while simultaneously shaping external conversations to advance company interests.

• Develop and execute comprehensive federal and state advocacy strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Identify risks and opportunities “around the corner,” advising leadership on positioning strategies before issues fully materialize.
• Shape and advance Physicians Mutual’s policy priorities through direct engagement, coalition-building, trade association leadership, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure the Company consistently maintains a “seat at the table” in key regulatory and legislative discussions.
• Partner with executive leadership to define annual public policy priorities and measurable influence objectives.

The Government Relations Officer plays a leadership role in strengthening and stewarding the Company’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and broader federal advocacy efforts.

• Partner with leadership to define PAC strategy aligned with corporate policy priorities.
• Support recruitment and retention of PAC members; cultivate engagement and demonstrate impact.
• Ensure PAC funds are deployed strategically and responsibly in support of key relationships and policy objectives.
• Maintain strong working relationships with the Nebraska delegation and other targeted federal policymakers.
• Ensure full compliance with all federal and state lobbying and PAC regulations.

• Demonstrate exceptional executive presence in all settings.
• Communicate confidently and persuasively without reliance on prepared materials.
• Frame issues strategically and clearly state when additional information is needed.
• Protect Company interests while maintaining credibility.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills suited for regulators, legislators, executives, and trade association leaders.
• Evaluate legislative and regulatory proposals through both regulatory and customer-impact lenses.
• Ensure lobbying positions are grounded in customer‑centric values, compliance, and long‑term sustainability.
• Communicate policy implications internally in a clear, practical, and actionable manner.

• Strategic Advocacy (approximately 30%):
  Develops and executes federal and state public policy strategy; anticipates and mitigates regulatory risk; builds coalitions and influences trade association positions; advises executive leadership on emerging public policy issues.
• External Engagement & Representation (approximately 30%):
  Represents Physicians Mutual before regulators, legislators, and trade groups; maintains high‑impact relationships with policymakers and industry leaders; ensures Physicians Mutual is a sought‑after and respected industry voice.
• Regulatory Interpretation & Internal Counsel (approximately 25%):
  Interprets complex insurance statutes and regulations; provides timely,…