AVP, Federal Government Relations

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.

When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Job Description:

Location: Must reside in Washington D.C. metro.

The opportunity: This role will lead the federal government relations activities for Sun Life U.S., planning and executing on a comprehensive, proactive and effective government relations strategy that advances the organization’s priorities.

How you will contribute:

• Under the direction of the VP, Head of Government Relations, serve as federal government relations contact and identify and develop positions for public policy, legislative, regulatory and industry issues that will impact Sun Life’s business priorities.

• Build and maintain open and effective relationships with federal elected and appointed government officials to mitigate risk, advance priorities and create opportunities to benefit Sun Life business priorities.

• Work collaboratively with business units to develop and implement proactive Congressional and regulatory government relations strategies and grow relationships between Sun Life leaders and targeted elected and appointed officials.

• Advise on federal PAC activities, including strategy development for utilizing funds to grow effective relationships with targeted federal elected officials.

• Maximize Sun Life’s engagement with targeted federal trade associations, industry coalitions, or other groups to create beneficial relationships, influence policy positions, and regularly inform and engage internal stakeholders in ways that advance business priorities.

• Manage contract lobbying team to grow impact in Congressional and regulatory spaces, among industry stakeholders, and in trade associations.

What you will bring with you:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, JD or advanced degree is preferred

• 8+ years of experience in either a federal government agency, Congressional office, or government relations or public affairs role

• Excellent written and oral communications skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Salary: $189,500 - 303,200

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job Category: Government Relations and Policy

Posting End Date: 27/08/2026