Government Affairs Director

Salary Range:

$131,928.00 To 143,400.00 Annually

The mission of Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is to radically improve how Washington residents secure health insurance through innovative and practical solutions, an easy-to-use customer experience, our values of integrity, respect, equity and transparency, and by providing undeniable value to the health care community.

The Exchange is a public-private partnership that operates Washington Healthplanfinder, the eligibility and enrollment portal used by one in four Washington residents to obtain health and dental coverage. Through this platform, and with support from a Customer Support Center and statewide network of in-person navigators and brokers, individuals and families can shop, compare and enroll in private, qualified health plans (as defined in the Affordable Care Act) or enroll in Washington Apple Health, the state Medicaid program.

The Exchange embraces the following equity statement adopted by our Board of Directors:

Equity is fundamental to the mission of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The process of advancing toward equity and becoming anti-racist is disruptive and demands vigilance to dismantle deeply entrenched systems of privilege and oppression. While systemic racism is a root cause of many societal inequities, we must also use an intersectional approach to address all forms of bias and oppression, which interact with and often exacerbate racial inequities. To be successful, we must recognize the socioeconomic drivers of health and focus on people and places where needs are greatest. As we listen to community, we must hold ourselves accountable to responding to recommendations to remedy inequitable policies, systems, or practices within the Exchange’s area of influence. Our goal is that all Washingtonians have full and equal access to opportunities, power and resources to achieve their full potential.

SUMMARY

The Government Affairs Director serves as the lead for all legislative matters for the Exchange. They direct and manage legislative strategy and execution, represent the Exchange with state and federal officials and manage relationships with key external partners to advance the Exchange’s key budget and policy priorities.

The primary focus for this role is the Washington state legislative process. The Government Affairs Director is responsible for developing the state legislative agenda, submitting proposed legislation and decision packages; communicating with policymakers, legislative staff, state agencies and other key stakeholders; and testifying before the legislature. During the interim, the Government Affairs Director is responsible for pre- and post- session engagement with state legislators and stakeholders in Olympia and at the district level.

The Government Affairs Director also engages in federal affairs, through periodic communications and engagement with Congressional state offices and annual meetings with federal officials in Washington, DC.

This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Chief of Staff, the Office of Policy and Strategy, the Chief Financial Officer and all members of the Executive Leadership Team. They are supported by a Legislative Policy Analyst who monitors federal policy developments, coordinates state bill tracking, and facilitates an internal cross-functional team responsible for bill analysis. The Government Affairs Director provides regular legislative briefings to the Exchange board, board committees/workgroups, and all Exchange staff.

The position develops and maintains critical strategic partnerships with Exchange external stakeholders and partners, including other state-based marketplaces, federal contacts, governor staff, health and human service state agencies, interest groups, and state and national health policy organizations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct the Exchange legislative portfolio.

• Provide strategic analysis of the legislative and political environment and feasibility of policy change.
• Develop a state legislative agenda and federal legislative priorities that align to the Strategic Plan established by the Exchange Board and the vision and priorities of the Executive Leadership team.
• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to develop on the Exchanges’ budget requests.
• Consult with the Communications Team who lead materials development for the legislative audience.
• Facilitate and be informed by a cross-functional staff team of subject matter experts who review federal and state legislative bills with potential impact for the Exchange.
• Work in close partnership with the Office of Policy and Strategy and their Legislative Policy Analyst who facilitates the cross-functional team and provides surge capacity support during state sessions.
• Support Board engagement in legislative affairs, including the Board’s legislative workgroup, Board Hill Day and regular briefings at Board meetings.
• At close of state session, work with Chief of Staff and Portfolio Program Manager to identify new bodies of work based on legislative outcomes to incorporate into the Exchange biennial plan.

Represent the Exchange.

• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with members of the state legislature, legislative staff, Governor’s staff, legislative directors of sister state agencies and key stakeholders.
• Work with members of the legislature to accomplish the introduction and passage of Exchange-related legislation.
• Provide testimony on behalf of the Exchange at legislative hearings and work sessions, and coordinate testimony of Exchange Board members and executive staff.
• Provide regular briefings to the Executive Leadership Team on legislative strategies and make recommendations regarding legislative proposals affecting the Exchange.
• Ensure periodic and regular communication with Members of Congress and their state/district staff and organize delegation visits during annual fly-in events.
• Identify partners needed to effectively implement Exchange vision and develop and sustain effective relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Ten years of relevant work experience, including experience in government affairs, or in a legislative environment.
• Deep understanding of the policy making process and public budgets.
• Baseline knowledge and understanding of health care policy and systems.
• Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Skilled at building relationships and trust, managing diverse stakeholders and driving consensus.
• Commitment to advancing equity.

Desired:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public health or related field.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

This position will be open until we find a suitable number of candidates to review. If interested, please submit an application with a cover letter as soon as possible. The Exchange reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.

SALARY INFORMATION

The hiring salary range is between minimum of $131,928 and the midpoint of $143,400 depending on candidate experience, internal equity, and the market. Our compensation policy reserves the salary range above the midpoint for meeting and exceeding expectations and growth and development, up to the maximum of $172,080.

BENEFITS

Take a peek at our benefits package.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Core business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, the position will work a variable schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the legislative session. In addition, the successful candidate will attend various meetings, conferences, hearings, and other activities on behalf of the Exchange in DC, on the Capitol campus, and in other areas as needed.

This position will be required to work from our Olympia. Washington headquarters office a minimum of 2 days per week during the state legislative session. The nature of this role relies heavily on remote and in-person collaboration. While a hybrid remote and on-site schedule may be considered, the position will require flexibility to allow for in-office availability as business needs dictate. Duties of this position require the use of standard office furniture and equipment, including setup for remote work. The employee is responsible for providing and maintaining a safe, ergonomic, and secure workspace at their remote location.

The working conditions and physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A criminal background screen will be conducted for candidates under final consideration, and if hired, every five years of employment where highly sensitive data is processed or maintained by the position. The result of this background screen must meet the Exchange’s eligibility standards.

OTHER INFORMATION

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.

This is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We participate in E-Verify. You can view the Department of Justice’s Right to Work poster here.

Learn more here