Federal Government Affairs Director (Hybrid)

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Purpose

The Federal Government Affairs Director will be responsible for helping develop and implement federal Government Affairs strategy, communications, and advocacy to support, promote, and protect business objectives and policies of the company. The Director will communicate, advocate, and reinforce CareFirst’s opinions and positions throughout the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government.

This role will support the development of a positive perception among regulators, legislators, and stakeholders of CareFirst’s mission and values and promote CareFirst as a public policy thought leader on healthcare issues nationally. The incumbent must have an excellent working knowledge of health policy issues facing the company, as well as the federal legislative, regulatory, and political landscape.

Essential Functions

• Engage federal government officials and their staffs on behalf of CareFirst to ensure that the company’s position is considered in legislative and regulatory decisions, and that legislation and/or regulations are either introduced or amended to be consistent with CareFirst policy and objectives.
• Enhance and solidify effective working relationships with legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, and various constituencies and community groups so that CareFirst is positioned to influence policy development as a thought leader and trusted resource.
• Work with the public policy team and internal subject matter experts to coordinate CareFirst’s positions regarding federal legislation and regulations.
• Research, develop, and articulate positions on a wide variety of public policy issues affecting the company.
• Advise senior management on federal legislators’ and regulators’ points of view and the effects of proposed laws and regulations on CareFirst.
• Establish and implement proactive strategies to promote CareFirst’s legislative and policy agenda, including managing contract lobbyists on the federal level and building coalitions necessary to influence legislation, regulation, and policy positions that align with CareFirst’s goals and mission or help avoid legislative and regulatory threats.
• Identify thought leadership opportunities.
• Develop and implement a strategy to leverage the federal CareFirst Associates Political Action Committee to advance CareFirst policy priorities, enhance CareFirst’s influence, and reinforce CareFirst’s reputation as a thought leader.
• Function as a liaison with government entities, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and other trade associations as appropriate on federal issues.
• Communicate CareFirst’s opinions and positions within trade associations and to government entities, influence policy development at trade associations, and encourage them to lobby on CareFirst’s behalf.
• Work with the public policy team to track, monitor, and communicate legislative and regulatory proposals to senior management and relevant parts of the company.
• Consult with various divisions throughout the company to determine the potential impact of each legislative and regulatory proposal on:
  1. Current business practices
  2. Operational costs and efficiencies
  3. Future strategic direction of the company

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct reports; however, it may informally lead teams in a matrix environment.

Qualifications

Education Level

• Bachelor’s Degree OR in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, an additional four years of relevant work experience is required.

Experience

• 10 years of progressive experience in government relations or public policy in the government and/or private sector.
• Strong relationships with legislative branches and committees of importance, as well as relevant positions within the Executive Branch.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or legal degree.
• Government service related to healthcare and/or health insurance.
• Strong relationships with key federal administration officials.
• Knowledge of the healthcare industry, as well as CareFirst’s history and operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to develop and implement strategies that advocate CareFirst positions on legislation, regulation, or governmental trends.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective, collaborative relationships.
• Knowledge of healthcare, health insurance, and public health care programs.
• Knowledge of federal healthcare laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and political processes.
• Knowledge of government affairs, especially at the federal level.
• Ability to lead, make decisions, and act independently as part of a government relations team.
• Ability to represent the company’s CEO and top leadership in various venues and with key decision-makers.
• Ability to build consensus and coalitions.
• Creativity, flexibility, and demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Proven, effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively and confidently interact with various stakeholders.
• Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, while maintaining service excellence.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to all internal and external customers, including those who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Salary Range

$134,400 – $240,240

Salary Range Disclaimer

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location where the work is performed. This compensation range considers factors such as (but not limited to):

• The scope and responsibilities of the position
• The candidate’s work experience, education, and training
• Internal peer equity
• Market and business considerations

It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on various factors, including experience, internal equity, and location.

In addition to compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401(k) contribution programs/plans. (All benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.)

Department

Public Policy & Federal Affairs

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Where To Apply

Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers

Federal Disclosure / Physical Demand

Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes them ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal healthcare programs.

Physical Demands

• The associate is primarily seated while performing job duties.
• Occasional walking or standing may be required.
• The hands are regularly used for writing, typing, and handling small controls and objects.
• The associate must frequently talk and hear.
• Weights up to 25 pounds may be occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in the U.S.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

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