Director OF Government Relations

Overview
Deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time. Use Novant Health’s First Do No Harm safety behaviors and high‑reliability strategies to ensure a safe, remarkable patient experience. We treat each other with respect and compassion, embrace diversity, and foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, inspiration, and courage.

Responsibilities
Lead the organization’s government relations and public affairs strategy by shaping public policy, strengthening relationships with elected officials and regulatory bodies, and advancing the organization’s strategic priorities. Provide high‑level counsel to executive leadership, oversee advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, and ensure alignment across internal departments to maintain credibility, influence, and impact in the industry.

Lead a proactive government relations program by identifying emerging policy issues, evaluating organizational impact, and influencing outcomes through relationships with key elected and regulatory officials.

Direct cross‑functional workstreams to evaluate and respond to federal and state policy changes, ensuring timely communication with internal leadership and appropriate responses to external agencies.

Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership, market presidents, and business units to support organizational growth and mitigate risk.

Partner with senior leaders across departments to ensure consistency in government relations, communications, community engagement, and overall external positioning.

Develop and implement an annual government relations and public affairs work plan, aligning with organizational goals and ensuring professional development of team members.

Develop and implement tools to effectively educate elected officials and other policymakers.

Represent the organization with trade associations and industry groups, driving policy priorities and leading the Political Action Committee’s annual goals.

Engage system leaders in external groups of strategic importance, positioning the organization as a credible voice in community and policy matters.

Prepare executive and senior leaders for policy‑related engagement and deliver presentations on legislative issues to internal and external stakeholders.

Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team (CLEAR) to address organizational risks and participate in enterprise‑wide initiatives.

Oversee management of contract lobbyists, departmental budget, and active participation in internal workstreams.

Qualifications
Education: 4‑year bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Health Administration, Business or a related field (required). Graduate degree (MS, MBA, JD, MHA, or MPH) preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in progressive government relations, public policy, or public affairs within healthcare, nonprofit, or regulated industries (required). 15 years of experience preferred.

Skills (Preferred):

Deep understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at federal, state, and local levels.

Experience leading advocacy efforts in a large organization.

Strong political acumen with established relationships with policymakers, trade associations, and industry leaders.

Professional executive presence with the ability to interact with and provide counsel to C‑Suite leaders.

Exceptional communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Ability to analyze, interpret, and advise on complex legislation and regulatory proposals.

Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate emerging issues and assess organizational impact.

Proven leadership skills with ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

Strong organizational, project management, and budget management skills.

Commitment to collaboration, credibility, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative drive for reaching the next great idea and exceeding goals.

Intellectual depth, moral integrity, personal vision, creativity, leadership skills, fortitude, sincerity, and diplomacy.

Ability to work independently and as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside of Novant Health.

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