Director, State Government Relations

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Director of State Government Relations is responsible for shaping and executing the System’s state legislative and regulatory strategy. This role ensures that public policy supports the organization’s mission to deliver integrated and accessible healthcare. The Director leads high-level engagement with policymakers, oversees external advocacy partnerships, and aligns internal stakeholders around strategic policy goals. This position will be based within Missouri, and the Director will have responsibility for the organization’s government relations agenda within the state of Missouri as well as support state legislative efforts in the other states of the System (approximately 60% time spent on in-state efforts and up to 40% spent on support priorities in other states). Most travel will be within Missouri; however, some out-of-state travel will be required.

Essential Job Functions:

o   Lead development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-state government affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.

o   Manage the policy and legislative agenda and activities for the System and affiliated companies within the state of Missouri.

o   Serve as an advisor to market CEOs and executive teams on state legislative and regulatory matters, including risks and opportunities.

o   Provide strategic policy updates and briefings to the Board of Directors and executive leadership.

o   Serve as the primary liaison to state government officials, associations, and other external stakeholders.

o   Engage with elected officials and staff, state agencies and state associations to influence healthcare policy.

o   Develop and implement tailored, state-specific government affairs strategies that reflect the unique political, regulatory, and healthcare landscapes.

o   Oversee lobbying efforts and manage relationships with external consultants and advocacy partners.

o   Anticipate and respond to emerging policy trends that impact healthcare delivery, behavioral health, substance use, and FQHC operations.

o   Monitor, research, and analyze legislative and regulatory developments; assess their impact on organizational operations and communicate findings to relevant internal audiences.

o   Represent the organization in state capitals and public forums.

o   Collaborate with regional and clinical leaders to align legislative strategies with local priorities and stakeholder interests.

o   Represent the System in coalitions, workgroups, and public forums to advocate for policy positions that support the System’s mission and goals.

o   Assists in drafting comments for state and/or federal regulatory RFIs.

o   Aids in identifying and developing content for Centerstone’s communication platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

o   Leadership skills are primary; familiarity with federal/state/local government structure and legislative and political process required.

o   Experience with grassroots advocacy and lobbying required.

o   Ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy among a wide variety of public and internal audiences.

o   Ability to work with diverse constituencies including business leaders, public officials, community representatives, consumers, and trade associations.

o   Strong written and oral communication skills.

o   Strong collaboration and consensus building skills, ability to cultivate buy-in at all levels of the System.

o   Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

o   Well-respected executive presence with strong presentation and facilitation skills.

o   Ability to set priorities and manage projects, completing them on-time and on-budget.

o   Proactive, independent self-starter with ability to multi-task and effectively juggle competing pri