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Government Relations Assistant Director

Northwestern Mutual · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a grassroots advocacy program you ran. How did you measure success?

What they are checking: Whether they have managed advocacy at scale and know what results actually matter.

Tell me about a newsletter or advocacy communication you wrote. How did you make people act on it?

What they are checking: Whether they write clearly enough to move busy readers to take action.

Tell me about a technology project you managed with a vendor or contractor.

What they are checking: Whether they can oversee the advocacy platforms and contractors the role depends on.

How do you stay politically neutral and professional when working with lawmakers from both parties?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that effective government relations depends on bipartisan trust.

What would you do

How do you keep financial representatives engaged as advocates when they're busy running practices?

What they are checking: Whether they can motivate volunteers whose main job is serving clients.

An advocate posts something on social media about a bill that contradicts the company's position. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect the company's message while preserving the relationship with the advocate.

How do you coordinate with agent trade associations when your priorities overlap but aren't identical?

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate with outside groups while staying true to company interests.

How would you grow grassroots participation across the country, not just in Wisconsin?

What they are checking: Whether they think strategically about expanding the program nationally.

About the work

How would you plan a Capitol Hill fly-in so advocates have meaningful meetings?

What they are checking: Whether they understand logistics, preparation and how to make meetings with lawmakers productive.

What do you know about the rules for running a corporate political action committee?

What they are checking: Whether they understand FEC rules on solicitation, contributions and reporting, where mistakes carry legal risk.

What federal policy issues do you think matter most to a life insurance and financial planning company right now?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the issues that affect the industry and could explain them to advocates.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Mutual.

Summary: This Assistant Director, Government Relations manages the Northwestern Mutual grassroots program and political action committees, under the supervision of the Vice President – Government Relations. This role will also support the Government Relations team on other projects, as needed. Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Grassroots Management • Manage all aspects of Northwestern Mutual’s grassroots activities, including the company’s Government Relations delegate program, Capitol Hill fly-ins, and advocacy campaigns. • Lead strategic initiatives, in partnership with relevant company stakeholders, that enhance Northwestern Mutual’s grassroots capabilities across the country. • Serve as the first point of contact for Northwestern Mutual grassroots advocates, develop grassroots outreach activities at the company's annual and regional meetings, and coordinate with other departments across the company to develop new outreach opportunities. • Oversee grassroots coordination with the agent trade associations. • Manage relationships with internal teams and contractors providing grassroots functionality and coordinate technology projects related to these efforts. • Develop and distribute content for communications related to Northwestern Mutual's grassroots activities, including a monthly newsletter. • Other duties include maintaining internal and public-facing political advocacy websites as well as related software and databases. Political Action Committee (PAC) Management • Full management of PAC duties, including overseeing Northwestern Mutual’s two PACs ( i.e. , Northwestern Mutual PAC and the Wisconsin Individual Political Contribution Accounts). • Develop and lead strategic initiatives to increase PAC receipts. • Contribute to weekly PAC meetings and be a part of strategy and budget planning discussions. • Engage with internal technology teams that support the PAC programs. • Liaise with the PAC Chairman, support PAC board meetings, and make presentations before the PAC board. • Oversee full cycle of annual PAC solicitations for home office employees and field leaders. Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in PACs, political fundraising, government relations and/or legislative environments. • Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills. • PowerPoint and Excel experience, and a high level of comfort with new technologies. • The position requires the ability to work independently on a regular basis. • The position requires some travel (>10% of the time.) Compensation Range: Pay Range - Start: $118,960.00 Pay Range - End: $178,440.00 Geographic Specific Pay Structure: Structure 110: $130,880.00 USD - $196,320.00 USD Structure 115: $136,800.00 USD - $205,200.00 USD We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more. Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now! Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

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