Executive Director, Public Affairs and Administraion

The Executive Director, Public Affairs and Administration is a highly visible leadership role that advances BCBSA organizational and policy priorities by directing impactful strategic initiatives and driving internal, cross-functional collaboration. Develops strategy for and manages execution of coalition, Beltway and in-district public affairs campaigns. Builds, strengthens and expands relationships with external partners. Leads policy communications to develop impactful educational and messaging resources for plan members, industry leadership, and positioning. Serves as a critical collaborator with executive leaders across the organization to support company-wide initiatives, including CEO- and Board-driven projects to align with BCBSA vision, mission and strategic priorities. Supports implementation of operational improvements and processes, to promote an integrated approach to monitoring, advancing and achieving team and organizational goals.

Strategic leader of Beltway public affairs initiatives, directing the planning and implementation of a diverse portfolio of efforts to drive federal policy solutions that support Blue business objectives. Sets and executes strategic plans and manages consultant teams to implement and succeed. Directs BCBSA campaign programs, from opportunities, targeting and action plans to managing consultants, budgets and progress reporting. Directs campaign educational material, including messaging, advertising, op/eds, emails and sign-on letters to Members of Congress. Builds and maintains external relationships with influential leaders, external coalitions and allies. Works closely with Policy & Advocacy leadership to surface opportunities, make strategic recommendations, and implement action plans. Close collaboration with policy, lobbyists and state affairs to drive advocacy goals. Integration with communications to drive and align Beltway advertising, media engagement, creative development with coalition, grassroots and grasstops programs. Collaborates with Chicago business, intelligence and strategic teams on relevant projects and priorities. Engages with BCBSA members on public affairs plans, progress and execution.

Serves as Policy & Advocacy liaison with internal partners to drive and coordinate team actions in support of corporate/team goals. Facilitates CEO/Board committee agenda planning and materials development in a highly collaborative environment, coordinating with business owners and cross-functional contributors. Manages cross-department alignment and joint performance metrics. Examples include goal setting, project management and progress reporting with national partnerships, clinical affairs, brand strength and marketing, communications, and Board governance. Supports SVP of Policy & Advocacy as thought partner, providing insights and recommendations around urgent and evolving issues, optimal organizational structure, staffing, and team performance. Works closely with finance, procurement and Policy & Advocacy leadership to manage budgets, contracts and reporting.

Supervises the development and deployment of impactful communications resources for external audiences, including web content, blog posts, message guides, patient and plan stories, letters, and newsletters. Closely partners on public opinion/messaging surveys, consumer research, and all aspects of Beltway advertising. Partners with Policy & Advocacy teams to monitor real-time political and policy developments.

Education

• Bachelor’s degreed required in political science, business, communications, marketing, or related field.
• Masters Degree, Preferred

Experience

• At least 12 years of work experience in politics, campaigns, coalitions, business, organizational leadership.

Skills

• Collaborative team player an absolute must
• Political and/or campaign experience preferred
• Strong writing, editing, presentation and interpersonal skills essential
• Understanding of leading health policy/regulatory issues
• Strong experience in project and program management, including goal setting, strategic planning, implementation and tracking
• Ability to effectively manage team members and multiple projects

People Management

• Yes

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