Director, Business Development and Government Affairs

Culture rules at Delta Dental. It's key to our becoming the leading dental benefits carrier in the state, reaching over 500,000 Idahoans with our dental plans and community outreach programs. We're small on ego and big on grins. You'll see us involved in community events and "Did you make someone smile today?" on our To-Do lists. Our employees have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives while working in an environment full of challenge, collaboration, flexibility, and industry-leading growth potential. Join our team committed to better oral health for all Idahoans. 

The Director, Business Development and Government Affairs advance the Company’s commercial growth, strategic partnerships, and public policy engagement for Delta Dental of Idaho and its affiliated IT services company. This role identifies and develops strategic opportunities, oversees go‑to‑market execution for partnerships, and aligns business development initiatives to the advancement of oral health in Idaho. The Director also serves as the organization’s primary liaison with legislative, regulatory, and industry stakeholders; monitors legislative and regulatory developments; and coordinates advocacy efforts in support of Delta Dental business priorities.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys building relationships and spotting opportunities. In this role, you’ll help drive growth through partnerships and stay close to the policy and market changes shaping our industry, turning what you see into practical, forward-looking strategies that make an impact across the business and in the communities we serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Business Development

• Serve as a key contributor to the execution of DDID’s business development strategy, working closely with department leaders and peers to align initiatives with the Company’s overall goals and financial objectives.

• Research and recommend new products, services, and partnership opportunities; support go‑to‑market planning, new channel and market expansion, and cross‑company collaboration with our subsidiaries in alignment with Company priorities.

• Source and coordinate strategic business opportunities aligned with our traditional go-to-market for pre-paid dental and related products, services and channels, including tracking action items and follow-through.

• Monitor the broader market landscape, national trends, and customer needs; synthesize findings into updates and summaries for leadership to support informed business development decision‑making.

• Maintain and build relationships within the business community to further the organization’s business development efforts.

Government Relations

• In partnership with the CEO and senior leadership, support strategies to navigate regulatory challenges and advocate for the Company’s interests and influence policy outcomes.

• Monitor relevant Idaho legislative and regulatory changes in the dental insurance industry; attend legislative committee meetings on dental and health insurance topics; coordinate meetings and communications with lobbyists, legislators and key state administrators; and keep leadership informed of key trends or changes.

• Monitor legislative and regulatory dental insurance issues at the federal level and in other states; coordinate with Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) Public Affairs efforts and leverage information and resources provided.  Represent Delta Dental of Idaho on DDPA committees and subcommittees as requested.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with governmental agencies, legislators, and industry associations.

• Represent Delta Dental of Idaho in the community by attending certain (as specified by senior leadership) trade association meetings, events, industry forums, and public policy discussions; provide summaries and recommendations to leadership.

• Coordinate with external governmental affairs experts, including contract lobbyist(s) and attorneys, and share relevant updates with internal stakeholders.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s vision, mission, values, code of ethics, and compliance/security standards.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree required in Business, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field; relevant equivalent experience may be considered.

• Minimum of five years of experience in sales, business development, government relations, public policy, or a related field (healthcare, dental, or insurance experience preferred).

• Strong understanding of the dental benefit marketplace, dental plans, and products.

• Ability to read, ana