Government Relations Director

While candidates from anywhere in California are welcome to apply, there is a strong preference for those who reside on the Central Coast (Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties). This role may offer opportunities for remote work; however, familiarity with and proximity to our local customers is valued.

Central Coast Salary Range: $170,124 - $255,186

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Strategic Engagement Officer (CSEO), the Director of Government Relations plays a critical role in advancing CenCal Health’s policy, regulatory, and legislative interests. The Director supports senior leadership by monitoring policy developments, managing relationships with associations and regulatory bodies, and coordinating with external lobbyists and consultants. This role directs the operations of the Government Relations department, serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and advancing strategic initiatives that align with CenCal Health’s mission and vision.

Duties & Responsibilities 

(50%) Supports senior leadership by monitoring policy developments, managing relationships with associations and regulatory bodies, and coordinating with external lobbyists and consultants.

• Leads the timely evaluation and communication of state, federal, and local policy developments and updates to internal stakeholders.
• Develops relationships and serves as the primary liaison with external lobbyists and consultants to advance CenCal Health’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Leads the development and deployment of internal systems to track, respond to, distribute and organize legislative and policy updates, including emerging legislative and regulatory trends with potential impact on health plan operations and strategy.
• Oversees the preparation of policy summaries, talking points, Board memos, and briefing materials for executive staff specific to legislative and regulatory developments impacting Medi-Cal and managed care.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with staff at regulatory agencies, associations, the state legislature, and peer health plans.
• Leads the compilation of cross-functional responses to new legislation and regulations, including internal impact assessments and implementation guidance.
• Attends local, industry, State events and meetings, workgroups or advisory groups on behalf of CenCal Health, representing CenCal Health with exceptional judgment and diplomacy.
• Develops key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success of Government Relations efforts and adjusts strategies based on findings.
• Supports the CEO and CSEO coalition building and advocacy efforts with community partners, elected officials, and state associations.

(40%) Directs the operations of the Government Relations department, serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and advancing strategic initiatives that align with CenCal Health’s mission and vision.

• Identifies and articulates the vision and strategic direction of the Government Relations Department and oversees the implementation of department strategies and objectives in support of CenCal Health’s mission and vision.
• Develops and executes annual strategies to support CenCal Health’s Government Relations objectives, including through the development of Departmental Assessments and related workplans.
• Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, maintaining productive relationships with peers and contributing to the development of organizational strategic and operational plans.
• Leads by example, coaching, counseling, mentoring, and developing others.
• Fosters an environment of high performance and accountability and ensures a high level of morale, ethics, and integrity.
• Ensures that Government Relations Department goals and activities are aligned with the CenCal Health strategic plan and annual organizational objectives.
• Serves as the Sponsor of various projects in support of advancing CenCal Health’s strategic priorities.
• Evaluates employee performance, providing feedback to staff and counseling staff when performance issues arise.
• Directs the creation and implementation of administrative policies, processes and procedures related to Government Relations Department operations.
• Develops and manages the annual Government Relations Department budget.

     10% - Performs other duties as assigned.

Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Motivates others to create extraordinary results, and unite people to turn challenges into successes by embracing ‘The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership’ of The Leadership Challenge:

1. Model the Way:

• Clarify values by finding your voice and affirming shared values
• Set the example by aligning actions with shared values

2. Inspire a Shared Vision

• Envision the future by imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities
• Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations

3. Challenge the Process

• Search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and my looking outward for innovative ways to improve
• Experiment and take risks by consistently generating small wins and learning from experience

4. Enable Others to Act

• Foster collaboration by building trust and facilitating relationships
• Strengthen others by increasing self-determination and developing competence

5. Encourage the Heart

• Recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence
• Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required:

• Exhibits strong knowledge of government relations processes at health plans or health systems.
• Exhibits knowledge of Medicaid (Medi-Cal), managed care, and California’s health policy environment.
• Exercises excellent judgement, discretion, diplomacy, and aligned communication to ensure that organizational priorities are well-represented.
• Utilizes data-informed and data-driven approaches and is detail-oriented, with a focus on proactive planning.
• Understands County Organized Health Systems, specifically, and knowledge of regulations and policies impacting health plans at the local and national level.
•  Is adept at communicating effectively both orally and in writing to develop and maintain critical internal and external relationships.
•  Can effectively communicate organizational Vision, Mission and Values to lead and motivate teams to achieve superior performance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Health Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy in a health care or public sector setting.
• Experience working with legislative and regulatory bodies in California is strongly preferred.