Counsel - Employee Benefits Division

Protective is seeking a highly motivated compliance professional with approximately five years of relevant experience (or equivalent) to support its growing Employee Benefits Division. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required due to the significant legal and regulatory analysis involved in the role.

This position serves as a key compliance/regulatory advisor supporting statutory state Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) private plan insurance products, and other group employee benefits products (life insurance, ad&d, disability, dental and supplemental health). The role partners closely with Product, Operations, Claims, Underwriting, Actuarial, Distribution, and other Compliance/Legal stakeholders to identify regulatory requirements, assess compliance/regulatory risks, support product development and operational initiatives, and help ensure ongoing compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with strong analytical and communication skills who can quickly develop subject matter expertise and provide practical, business-oriented guidance in a highly regulated and evolving environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
•    Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and federal laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance impacting statutory PFML, disability, and other employee benefits products.
•    Provide regulatory and compliance guidance to business stakeholders regarding product, operational, claims, distribution, and implementation matters.
•    Support the development, launch, and ongoing administration of employee benefits products, including PFML, disability, and other group insurance offerings.
•    Review policy forms, certificates, riders, marketing materials, training materials, and business processes for compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
•    Conduct regulatory research and support insurance department filings and reporting, regulatory inquiries, examinations, complaints, claim appeals, arbitrations, and other regulatory matters.
•    Partner with Product, Operations, Claims, Compliance, Actuarial, Underwriting, Distribution, Marketing, and Compliance/Legal colleagues to identify compliance risks and develop practical business solutions.
•    Serve as the Compliance representative on cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, and product development efforts.
•    Develop and deliver training, guidance, and educational materials regarding regulatory requirements and emerging compliance issues affecting employee benefits products.
•    Monitor legislative and regulatory developments through trade associations and prepare impact assessments and recommendations for business stakeholders.
•    Support the development and maintenance of compliance policies, procedures, controls, and governance processes designed to promote regulatory compliance and effective risk management.

Requirements
•    Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
•    Licensed and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
•    Approximately five years of relevant professional experience (or equivalent).
•    Strong legal research, analytical, issue-spotting, and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical business guidance.
•    Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, learn new subject matter quickly, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strongly Preferred
•    Meaningful experience supporting employee benefits products, including statutory PFML, disability insurance, group insurance, leave management, accident and health insurance, or related employee benefits products.
•    Insurance industry experience, with experience at an insurance carrier or law firm practice focused on insurance regulatory matters. Insurance litigation experience alone may not qualify.
•    Experience interpreting and applying state and federal insurance laws and regulations and providing compliance, regulatory, or legal guidance in support of insurance products and business operations.

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