Skip to main content

Director, Government Affairs

Director, Government Affairs
Organization: UnitedHealth Group
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 12/16/2025

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that’s dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Director, Federal Government Affairs will be part of the UHG Government Affairs organization, responsible for working with colleagues across Government Affairs and the Company to develop and implement advocacy strategies on declared federal government advocacy priorities. This individual will report to the Vice President, Federal Government Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities:

Contributing to effective advocacy efforts to advance and protect the Company’s objectives at the federal level
Actively engaging in lobbying activities by communicating and advocating for priorities and building and deepening the Company’s relationships with federal legislative and executive branch officials and staffs
Anticipating, influencing and monitoring federal legislative and regulatory initiatives that may materially impact the Company
Contributing to comprehensive strategic plans that leverage direct advocacy, policy and research, coalitions, stakeholder engagement and public opinion to advance the Company’s objectives at the federal level
Partnering with the Company’s federal consultants on advocacy and relationship development priorities
Supporting engagement with select external stakeholders, including industry partners, coalitions, thought leaders and other stakeholders who are able to influence advocacy outcomes
Contributing to and developing timely content to support declared priorities, including but not limited to, executive briefing materials, talking points, executive updates, advocacy materials and presentations
Partnering effectively with colleagues in the business, including facilitating executive-level meetings with federal policymakers and staff
Working closely with the PAC manager to optimize political giving strategies

Attributes, Skills, and knowledge:

Eagerness to learn, improve, grow, and earn new opportunities – including demonstrating responsiveness to constructive feedback
Ability to pivot and quickly adapt in response to changes in the external environment or company priorities
Ability to thrive in an intense, accountable environment for a complex, highly diversified industry-leading, mission-oriented company committed to improving access, affordability, experience and outcomes for the people we are privileged to serve
Ability to partner effectively with colleagues in the business, including facilitating executive-level meetings with federal policymakers and staff

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

7+ years of experience working in Congress, the Executive Branch, government relations, public policy, advocacy, government affairs or campaigns
Experience developing and executing successful policy, lobbying or political strategies
Proven track record of representing an organization with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in internal and external settings
Proven outstanding written communication, presentation. project management and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to consistently prepare high-quality, time-sensitive internal and external deliverables
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes
Demonstrated advanced political acumen and ability to navigate issues comprehensively – inclusive of direct advocacy, policy and research, coalitions, third party engagement and public opinion
Reside local and commutable to Washington, DC Offices

Preferred Qualifications:

Healthcare experience
Political campaign experience

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $132,200 to $226,600 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes – an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Apply here

Earn a certificate with the Council! Start your journey today.

More News & Resources

Whether you’re building cutting-edge campaigns, engaging communities on social, mobilizing advocates, or exploring the power of new AI tools, THIS is where the future of advocacy comes alive.