Vice President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs (Hybrid)

Resp & Qualifications
Purpose:

This position is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of Federal legislative, regulatory and stakeholder relationship building and advocacy; the development of regulatory responses, policy positions, legislative testimony, position papers and communications on key policy issues in collaboration with CareFirst’s State Government Affairs team and other CareFirst executives; monitoring and analyzing healthcare policy issues at the federal and state levels and creating and supporting public affairs campaigns in support of CareFirst’s local, federal, and state policy positions in partnership with CareFirst’s Public Relations and State Government Affairs teams, and other enterprise-wide executives to advance legislative, regulatory, and other advocacy campaigns.

Essential Functions
Federal Relationships and Advocacy:

Oversee engagement of federal government officials and their staffs on behalf of CareFirst to ensure that the Company’s position is considered in legislative and regulatory decisions and that legislation and regulations introduced or amended are consistent with CareFirst policy and objectives. Enhance and solidify effective working relationships with legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, and various constituencies and community groups including but not limited to HHS/CMMI and CMS; DOL, WH, and Capitol Hill.

Oversee coordination of CareFirst’s positions relating to federal legislation and regulations. Research, develop and articulate positions on a wide variety of public policy issues affecting the Company. Advise senior management on federal legislators and regulators points of view and the effects of proposed laws and regulations on CareFirst.

Establish and implement proactive strategies to promote CareFirst’s legislative and policy agenda including managing contract lobbyists on the federal level, building coalitions necessary to influence legislation, regulation and policy positions that are consistent with CareFirst’s goals and mission or avoiding legislative and regulatory threats.

Function as liaison with BCBSA, AHIP, and other trade associations on policy and federal legislative issues. Communicates CareFirst’s opinions and positions within BCBSA and AHIP.

Policy Strategy, Analysis, and Communications:

In consultation with the State Government Affairs team and leadership of the Company, advises and articulates the public policy agenda of the Company and develops strategy and communications to support this policy agenda.

Drafts position papers and correspondence as well as written and verbal testimony for presentation before legislative and regulatory bodies.

Research policy positions taken by other plans, BCBSA, competitors and trade groups and reconciles CareFirst positions, as appropriate.

Works with external issues management consultants and external lobbyists to effectively and positively position the Company on complex issues of public policy.

Oversees management of sensitive corporate issues (especially those with political implications), including anticipating issues that could affect the image and reputation of the Company, develop recommendations and articulating appropriate responses.

Oversees development, publication and distribution of external reports to key stakeholders, including regulators, legislators and other relevant groups.

Mobilizes other communications and policy resources to support timely communication of the Company’s news and positions to key audiences, including legislators and regulators.

Management of Public Policy and Government Affairs Team:

With the Vice‑President of State Government Affairs, efficiently and effectively manages the CareFirst Public Policy and Government Affairs team. Sets strategic goals and direction, manages team and individual performance, manages budgets and salary, manages appropriate reporting, manages the development of team members and team leaders.

Oversees the management and compliance of the CareFirst employees Political Action Committees.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages people.

Qualifications
Education Level:

Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Policy, Healthcare law or related business field.

Experience:

10 to 15 years of related experience, and 8 to 10 years of increasingly responsible management experience. Understanding and experience with state and federal regulatory legislative process with a particular focus on Medicaid and Medicare Advantage also highly desired. Autonomy in job experiences and prior experience in managing and collaborating with senior executives of diverse expertise and responsibilities is necessary. Strong relationships with representatives of key federal agencies including HHS is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

A variety of experiences in healthcare policy is desirable.

Advanced degree MPH or Juris Doctorate desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

In-depth knowledge and experience with planning, writing, and editing.

In-depth communications skills necessary. Well‑developed organizational and monitoring skills to enhance functioning across a diverse organization.

Ability to coordinate multiple public policy activities within a dynamic environment.

Proven ability to communicate to diverse audiences through a variety of methods.

Strong ability to work with senior management and with their full confidence.

Ability to tap into a variety of resources to enhance the Company’s image.

High tolerance for ambiguity. Skilled in word processing (Microsoft Word), PowerPoint and internet research.

Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Salary Range:

$235,520 - $353,280

Salary Range Disclaimer
The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case’s facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Equal Employment Opportunity
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of theCompany to provide equal employment opportunities to allqualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Federal Disc/Physical Demand
Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship.

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