Senior Director, Government Relations

About NJHA: The New Jersey Hospital Association is a not-for-profit trade organization representing New Jersey’s hospitals, health systems, behavioral healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, assisted living, nursing homes and other healthcare providers. NJHA and its affiliates, the Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey and Healthcare Business Solutions, share a collective goal of improving the health of New Jerseyans through services and programs that enhance quality, affordable, equitable, and accessible healthcare.

Objective: Engage with political leaders and government officials to influence the development of health system, hospital and post-acute industry-related state and federal public policy issues, advance advocacy efforts, and communicate the impact of policy and political developments to leadership and to association members. Proactive, collaborative, and strategic identification of opportunities and strategic engagement with key decision-makers and partners to advance NJHA’s advocacy agenda and key association priorities. Develop, coordinate, and draft position papers and messaging on policy and advocacy issues for internal and external audiences.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions: Car, cell phone, laptop, Office365.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead efforts to develop and implement short and long-term strategies for representing NJHA’s interests and address issues that impact the health system, hospital and post-acute industry’s mission.
• Proactively monitor, evaluate, and anticipate state legislative and regulatory developments impacting the health system, hospital, and post-acute industry. Analyze legislative and regulatory issues and provide written summaries, briefings, and reports. Assist in the analysis of the implications and effects legislation will have upon association membership. Propose/draft legislative amendments and regulatory comments to address NJHA concerns. Conduct research on legislative, regulatory, and policy issues. Prepare and recommend policy positions to NJHA management and NJHA membership forums. Develop position papers, bill drafts, and legislative proposals in collaboration with for NJHA management and membership forums.
• Act as registered lobbyist on behalf of NJHA before state legislature, Congress, the Governor’s office, and various state and federal regulatory bodies. Effectively communicate and present the advocacy positions of NJHA on legislation, regulatory matters and other issues to key decision makers in NJ state government and federal government. Work in partnership with NJHA’s members to serve as a strong advocate for NJHA and its membership.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, members of the Governor’s Office, departments of State government, and others to educate them regarding issues of concern to NJHA and keep them informed of NJHA positions on legislative and regulatory matters.
• Coordinate with internal departments to align government relations strategies with organizational goals.
• Draft written testimony. Present oral and written testimony before committees, commissions and regulatory boards. Attend legislative committee hearings and report to NJHA staff and the membership on the deliberations.
• Advise NJHA management and membership about impending legislation, compliance changes, and strategic advocacy opportunities.
• Manage outreach and communications efforts with public officials, policy makers, and opinion leaders. Respond to requests for information from membership, legislators, and government agencies, regarding legislative, regulatory, or policy issues.
• Develop and manage relationships with industry coalitions, trade associations, and advocacy groups.
• Represent NJHA at stakeholder events, meetings, and public forums.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with state legislators and staff, state agency staff, advocacy group partners, and other leaders throughout the state to develop and maintain a favorable healthcare climate.
• Maintain regular communication with NJHA’s leadership team regarding state government initiatives, including legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Write articles for NJHA’s daily news update for membership on legislative, regulatory and policy developments.
• Assist with compliance for lobbying and campaign finance laws affecting advocacy efforts.
• Provide informed, thoughtful and timely guidance to senior NJHA leadership regarding issues and opportunities throughout the state.
• Prepare and deliver reports, newsletters, and updates on policy changes or advocacy initiatives.
• Mentor government relations staff.
• Abide by the terms and conditions of NJHA’s Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Participates in AHA annual meeting, as well as other conferences, forums, panel discussions and meetings upon request.
• Assists office staff in the daily operations of other departments.
• Perform other duties as necessary to achieve the goals of the department.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
• Law degree or Master’s degree in Government, Political Science, Policy or equivalent preferred.
• Extensive experience working within or directly working with government in legislative relations, government relations, policy analysis, or public affairs role.
• Understanding of health policy or experience working in healthcare or other highly regulated industry.
• Strong relationship-building, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Strong research and analysis skills, as well as the ability to analyze qualitative and some quantitative data.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to convey complex information in writing and orally so that they are easily understood and resonate with policy and regulatory audiences.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple tasks with precision.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan and execute, manage calendar, generate briefs and reports, prepare for meetings with diverse teams and stakeholders, manage multiple tasks at once, respond to tight timelines, and operate independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding attention to detail in tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy development activities.
• Proven success in maintaining accurate records, files, and communications for government relations initiatives.
• Experience working with executive and legislature or Congress preferred.
• Experience developing effective government relations strategies.
• Demonstrated success with advocating for government policy changes.
• Flexibility and ability to take on and identify emerging issues in health policy.
• Strong personal integrity and drive, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to deliver results.

Base Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000

NJHA Benefits: NJHA offers benefits and other compensation programs such as medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, salary deferral plan, pension, paid vacation, holidays and wellness days, paid sick days, short/long term disability, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, membership in a credit union, life insurance, employee discount programs, and use of an on-site fitness facility.

NJHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a veteran, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws.