Health Policy and Government Relations Partner

Health Policy and Government Relations Partner

Job summary

The Health Policy and Government Relations Strategic Partner is responsible for the leading, development, implementation, and evaluation of health policy initiatives that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. The role involves extensive research, analysis, and communication to influence policy decisions on public program payment, workforce, and delivery of community investments that improve health outcomes. The Director will work closely with internal stakeholders, and external policy organizations to advance the system’s policy agenda. The incumbent provides a pivotal role in shaping the organization's interaction with government entities and influencing health policy at local, state, and federal levels. The Director leads efforts that will culminate to favorable healthcare policies, legislation and regulation while fostering strategic relationships with key stakeholders.

Essential functions

- Provides executive leadership in monitoring, interpreting, and anticipating legislative and regulatory trends with significant impact on healthcare delivery and organizational strategy.
- Oversees high-level analysis of proposed policies and regulations, providing strategic assessments and actionable recommendations to the executive team.
- Directs the development of evidence-based policy positions and advocacy strategies that drive organizational objectives at the system and market level.
- Leads the drafting and presentation of policy briefs, executive-level reports, and official testimony for legislative and regulatory audiences.
- Evaluates and communicates the organizational and stakeholder impact of health policies, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Represents the organization in high-level industry associations, coalitions, and policy forums to advance shared priorities and build strategic alliances.
- Partners with executive leadership to integrate advocacy goals with enterprise-wide strategies, ensuring policy alignment across all business units.
- Designs and oversees the execution of multi-year advocacy and policy initiatives, proactively addressing risks and seizing opportunities in a dynamic policy environment.
- Provides strategic counsel to senior leaders on the implications of emerging socio-economic and policy trends, shaping organizational response to complex challenges.
- Provides executive oversight to ensure all advocacy and government relations activities adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
- Serves as the principal advisor to leadership on complex compliance matters related to policy development and external engagement.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education

- Bachelor’s Public Health, Public Administration, Economics, or related degree (required).
- Master’s in Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Economics, or related degree (preferred).

Experience

- 7+ years of significant health policy experience (required)

Skills and abilities

- Deep understanding of government relations and long-range policy and program planning
- Knowledge of state and federal legislative and executive processes, key players, and regional legislative/regulatory procedures
- Policy research and coalition building
- Third-party engagement and public opinion analysis
- Strategic thinking, plan development, and implementation
- Project management from conception to completion, with strong attention to detail
- Adaptability to external environment changes and shifting company priorities
- Demonstrates and encourages open communication and teamwork throughout the organization
- Builds an environment of shared commitment to organizational goals and quality outcomes
- Maintains relationships, credibility, and influence with external stakeholders
- Works effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Persuasive communication and ability to influence and engage others
- Constructive conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

- Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

- Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts

- Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

- Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected] . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]