Government Affairs Liaison

Mission Statement: The mission of the State of South Carolina Department of Insurance is to protect and serve insurance consumers by promoting a fair, stable, and competitive insurance market through regulation, education, and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Department’s primary liaison on legislative and government matters.
• Act as the primary point of contact on legislative matters and items involving other governmental entities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Department staff to prepare and deliver testimony at legislative hearings.
• Testify before the General Assembly on behalf of the Department as needed.
• Serve as primary contact for constituent matters and coordinate appropriate Department staff.
• Monitor, research, and analyze insurance policy issues and trends at state, national, and global levels.
• Research and prepare documents (correspondence, talking points, minutes, memos, reports, etc.) to brief the Director and staff on regulatory issues.
• Provide analysis on insurance policy matters to the Director and other Department staff.
• Identify, prioritize, draft, and advance helpful legislation, policy, and regulations.
• Collaborate with staff to prioritize items for legislative, policy, or regulatory action.
• Assist in drafting new or amended language for statutes, policies, and regulations.
• Work with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, and other stakeholders to secure passage of Department legislation and regulations.
• Assist the Communications division with media requests, outreach activities, and educational initiatives.
• Communicate with the Director, Deputy Directors, and relevant staff regarding legislative, governmental, and policy matters.
• Coordinate with staff to ensure timely completion and delivery of statutorily required reports.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director and/or Deputy Directors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four or more years of legislative, insurance, or related experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform duties independently, exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Understanding of legislative and governmental systems.
• Ability to collaborate, negotiate, and mediate divergent viewpoints.
• Capacity to work in a fast‑paced political environment, assess stakeholder needs, and adjust working style accordingly.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co‑workers, the insurance industry, legislators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality.
• Professional representation of the agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in political science, law, insurance, risk management, or a related field (not an attorney position).
• Experience drafting legislation and navigating the South Carolina legislative process.
• Experience working with members and staff of the South Carolina General Assembly.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to insurance regulation.
• Knowledge of insurance regulatory policy and current insurance trends and issues.
• Detailed understanding of how insurance functions.
• Familiarity with the purpose and processes of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual vacation leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan (pension option) and Deferred Compensation Programs.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free counseling sessions for employees and household members.
• Free legal counseling.
• Free financial counseling.
• Flexible work schedules, including compressed work weeks, part‑time telecommuting, and flex‑time (contingent upon completing the required probationary period).
• Free gym access.
• Growth opportunities and certifications/designation program allowing for salary increases and bonuses.
• Infants at Work Program (employees may bring newborn/infant to the workplace).
• Free parking.

Additional Information

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to submit a sealed, certified copy of the transcript(s) prior to beginning employment. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript will result in any conditional offer of employment being rescinded.