Job Description

Job Summary

The Director of Government Relations is a key strategic leader responsible for developing and executing WMCHealth’s government relations agenda across local, state, and federal levels. This position ensures that WMCHealth’s interests, priorities, and mission are effectively represented in legislative, regulatory, and public policy environments. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Government & Community Relations, the Director leads the systemwide government relations function, builds and maintains strong relationships with government agencies and policymakers, and advises senior leadership on emerging legislative issues affecting the network. The Director also works collaboratively across WMCHealth’s hospitals, service lines, and administrative divisions to ensure unified advocacy efforts, consistent messaging, and compliance with public policy requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead WMCHealth’s comprehensive government relations strategy across local, state, and federal levels.
• Advise senior executives and hospital leadership on emerging policy issues, legislation, and strategic opportunities.
• Translate policy priorities into actionable advocacy plans and ensure consistent implementation across the network.
• Monitor, evaluate, and interpret legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting WMCHealth.
• Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, position papers, and testimony for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Represent WMCHealth in meetings, hearings, working groups, and regulatory forums with government agencies.
• Coordinate systemwide responses to proposed regulations or legislation.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government bodies, public health departments, and regulatory entities.
• Serve as WMCHealth’s primary liaison to government agencies on policy, compliance, reimbursement, and public health matters.
• Represent the organization in regional and statewide health policy coalitions and advocacy alliances.
• Collaborate internally with executive leadership, clinical departments, finance, legal, and compliance on policy positions.
• Ensure systemwide awareness of government mandates, regulatory requirements, and policy changes.
• Develop tracking systems and dashboards for legislative activity and regulatory deadlines.
• Prepare regular reports for executive leadership summarizing policy developments and strategic recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities for government funding, grants, and public program participation.
• Collaborate on applications and compliance for state and federal funding initiatives.
• Monitor changes in Medicaid, Medicare, and public health programs that impact the network.
• Support integration of government relations with community relations and organizational priorities.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for internal committees and strategic planning groups.

Qualifications / Requirements

Experience: 7–10 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy.

Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies at local, state, or federal levels.

Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes related to healthcare.

Exceptional communication, analytical, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to manage complex policy portfolios across a multi-site organization.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s strongly preferred.

Special Requirements

Ability to travel across the Hudson Valley, Albany, and occasionally Washington, D.C.

Physical Requirements

Physical Activity (please check one box):

• Sedentary Work (involves sitting most of the time, occasionally walking and standing; requires lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and/or occasionally lifting or carrying objects)
• Light Work (involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds; requires moderate mobility to different work locations)

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