SMD, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy

The SMD, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy will lead the organization's strategic government relations function (international, federal, and state) to shape policy outcomes, establish and maintain key relationships with government stakeholders, and position the organization effectively within the regulatory landscape. Develops and implements comprehensive strategies to advance organizational interests with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities.

Key Responsibilities And Duties

• Develops and executes comprehensive government relations strategies aligned with the organization's business objectives and long-term goals.
• Prepares and manages the government relations department budget.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and key policy stakeholders.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments, assesses potential impacts, and develops proactive response strategies.
• Leads advocacy efforts on priority issues, including developing position papers, testimony, and other advocacy materials.
• Oversees the organization's political action committee activities and compliance with campaign finance regulations.
• Manages state, federal, and international government relations team members, including coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between government relations initiatives and broader organizational priorities.
• Serves as a key spokesperson on government and policy matters, representing the organization at legislative hearings, regulatory proceedings, and industry events, along with other company leaders.
• Ensures organizational compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements and other relevant regulations.
  
  

Educational Requirements

• University (Degree) Preferred
  
  

Work Experience

• 10+ Years Required
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work
  
  

Career Level

13PL

Other Qualifications And Work Experience

• A bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government relations, communications, or a related field strongly preferred. A master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, or a related role, with a strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory process.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant policy issues and a demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex policy matters.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute effective government affairs strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate the organization's positions to different audiences.
• A deep understanding of the political landscape and the federal government processes and in-depth knowledge of how laws and regulations are made and implemented.
• The ability to develop long-term strategies for influencing policy and achieving organizational objectives, and monitor, analyze, and interpret complex legislative and regulatory information.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and cultivating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  
  

Related Skills

Adaptability, Communication, Consultative Communication, Influence, Legal Advocacy, Legal Expertise/Advisory, Legal Writing, Lobbying/Legislation, Market/Industry Dynamics, Negotiation, Public Policy, Relationship Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Story Telling

Anticipated Posting End Date:

2025-10-17

Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans).

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Company Overview

Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us.

Our Culture of Impact

At TIAA, we're on a mission to build on our 100+ year legacy of delivering for our clients while evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. We equip our associates with future-focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come. We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. They influence every decision we make and how we work together to serve our clients every day. We thrive in a collaborative in-office environment where teams work across organizational boundaries with shared purpose, accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful results. Our workplace brings together TIAA and Nuveen's entrepreneurial spirit, where we work hard and work together to create lasting impact. Here, every associate can grow through meaningful learning experiences and development pathways—because when our people succeed, our impact on clients' lives grows stronger.

Benefits And Total Rewards

The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well-being. To learn more about your benefits, please review our Benefits Summary.

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. TIAA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

Our full EEO & Non-Discrimination statement is on our careers home page, and you can read more about your rights and view government notices here.

Accessibility Support

TIAA offers support for those who need assistance with our online application process to provide an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.

If You Are a U.S. Applicant And Desire a Reasonable Accommodation To Complete a Job Application Please Use One Of The Below Options To Contact Our Accessibility Support Team:

Phone: (800) 842-2755

Email: [email protected]

Drug and Smoking Policy

TIAA maintains a drug-free and smoke/free workplace.

Privacy Notices

For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in US (other than California), click here.

For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in California, please click here.

For Applicants of TIAA Global Capabilities, click here.

For Applicants of Nuveen residing in Europe and APAC, please click here.

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Other Qualifications And Work Experience

• A bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government relations, communications, or a related field strongly preferred. A master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, or a related role, with a strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory process.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant policy issues and a demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate complex policy matters.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute effective government affairs strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate the organization's positions to different audiences.
• A deep understanding of the political landscape and the federal government processes and in-depth knowledge of how laws and regulations are made and implemented.
• The ability to develop long-term strategies for influencing policy and achieving organizational objectives, and monitor, analyze, and interpret complex legislative and regulatory information.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and cultivating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.