Director of Government and External Affairs - Marshall Health Network

The Director of Government and External Affairs reports directly to the Marshall Health Network (MHN) Chief of Integration and External Affairs Officer (CIEAO) with a dotted line to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with executives and other senior leadership to drive the health system's public policy agenda and ensure that government relations efforts are aligned with the overall mission and strategic goals of the academic health system. Working with the CIEA, the Director will plan and direct MHN's policies and objectives for government and external affairs, as well as monitors federal, state and local legislation that could impact hospital operations.

System Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Government Relations

• Works closely with the CEO, CIEAO and senior management on strategic engagement before federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies, and other related constituencies.
• Designs and implements a government relations strategy that promotes systems objectives through compelling public policy and advocacy in government and public arenas at the federal and state level, working with our internal and external lobbyists.
• Serves as liaison and informational contact between MHN and external stakeholders including advocacy organizations, political organizations, and public policy groups.
• Establishes and cultivates relationships with members of U.S. Congress, federal agency officials, and state legislators, county and local officials.
• Works with third party advocacy organizations and associations to promote the system's policy priorities.
• Assists with system strategy as impacted by regulatory requirements.
• Develops briefing memos, policy statements, white papers, and other communications to educate legislators and staff members about MHN's positions on key issues.
• Evaluates pending legislation which may have an impact on the system and develops and prepares timely recommendations and communications for senior management.
• Manages federal and state government affairs activities including coordinating and monitoring legislative initiatives as prioritized by system needs.
• Regularly communicates and collaborates with the hospitals to ensure everyone is aware of system positions and messages, and that activities throughout the organization are aligned.
• Works collaboratively with the communications department to align government affairs activities across the system, including the coordination and oversight for internal and external messaging.
• Manages consultants, as needed, ensuring quality and timely work.

External Affairs

• Engages in community outreach and development activities that support governmental relations, i.e., participating in associations, community groups, maintaining relationships with economic development organizations, along with organizing and attending important community events.
• Helps to develop and manage system wide advocacy campaigns.
• Represents the system before external constituencies, including elected officials and other state and local government agencies, commissions and authorities, and organize and represent the system at community events and other external functions.
• Establishes and maintains high-level contacts with a wide variety of industry and non-industry individuals and groups who can compel/promote public, community, and government actions favorable to the system.
• Works with various trade associations and public policy groups to identify priorities and develop positions that support the system's business goals.
• Lead efforts to enhance the health system's reputation and influence through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and public relations initiatives.
• Performs a variety of duties related to special projects and economic development opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, health administration, or a related field. A master's degree, JD, or equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 5-8 years of professional experience in government affairs and/or healthcare regulation.
• This role requires strategic vision, leadership, and deep expertise in navigating complex political environments.
• A history of fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Deep understanding of healthcare policy, legislation, and the regulatory environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills with a proven ability to engage effectively with senior government officials and external stakeholders.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Ability to push/pull light objects less than 20 pounds; perform simple manipulative skills such as writing, collating, and grasping objects; perform tasks that require eye-hand coordination such as operating computers and keyboarding skills; perform gross motor coordination such as reaching, turning, and moving about; be mobile and move from one place to another; hearing normal sounds with some background noise; hearing normal sounds with some background noise, perform moderately difficult manipulative skills; see objects closely. Frequent travel may be required and attending regular engagements outside of normal business hours.