Location: Remote (MI)
Date Posted: 07/29/2025
Position Summary
The Director of Government Affairs leads the organization’s advocacy and policy initiatives to improve access to oral healthcare, reduce disparities, and advance public oral health at the local, state, and federal levels. This position works closely with public health leaders, lawmakers, managed care payers, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to promote equitable oral health policy solutions that address systemic barriers to care.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Policy Development & Advocacy
Analyze, develop, and advocate for legislation, regulations, and funding proposals that expand access to dental care, improve oral health equity, and support public health systems.
Monitor and respond to public health policy trends and legislative activity in Medicaid dental coverage, community water fluoridation, workforce expansion (e.g., dental therapists), and community-based dental programs.
Draft public comments, policy briefs, fact sheets, and testimony related to oral health legislation and initiatives.
Government & Legislative Affairs
Serve as the organization’s primary liaison to elected officials, health departments, Medicaid agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Build bipartisan relationships with state and federal legislators, their staff, and public health agency leaders to enable access to continuous funding for MCDC.
Strategic Partnerships & Coalition Building
Collaborate with national and state coalitions, nonprofit organizations, dental schools, and advocacy partners on shared oral health policy goals.
Lead or support coalitions focused on underserved populations, rural oral health, or social determinants of health.
Community & Grassroots Engagement
Support grassroots networks, including community health workers, safety-net dental providers, and oral health advocates.
Provide advocacy training, toolkits, and technical assistance to local partners and public health professionals.
Internal Leadership & Representation
Serve as a member of the leadership team, aligning policy work with organizational goals.
Represent the organization at public hearings, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include travel up to 10-20% of the time (meetings, conferences, and advocacy events, etc.).
All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong knowledge of oral health systems, community-based dental care models, and public health infrastructure.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy writing, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to analyze complex legislation and translate it into strategic action.
Experience working in diverse, equity-focused, or underserved communities.
Job Specifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MPH, MPA, JD, or related field) preferred.
Minimum 5 years of experience in health policy, government affairs, public health advocacy, or nonprofit leadership, with a focus on Medicaid, dental access, or healthcare equity.
Familiarity with federal and state Medicaid dental policy.
Experience advocating for safety-net providers or community health centers (CHCs/FQHCs).
Knowledge of oral health workforce policy, including dental hygiene and mid-level providers.
Click this link to apply: https://careers-mydental.icims.com/jobs/2401/director-of-government-affairs/job
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