Vice President, Government Affairs

Purpose

Responsible for the strategic development and implementation of Government Affairs activities to support, promote, and protect business objectives and policies of the company. Coordinates, communicates, and implements legislative strategies on behalf of CareFirst and its subsidiaries for all activities associated with government and legislative affairs. Communicates and reinforces CareFirst’s opinions and positions within the governing bodies and within the BCBSA. Responsible for developing and fostering a positive perception among regulators and legislators of CareFirst’s mission and values and promoting CareFirst as a public policy leader on healthcare issues in the state. Coordinates the implementation of laws and regulations throughout the corporation to ensure that CareFirst remains legally compliant.

Essential Functions

• Lobby Maryland State Government officials and their staffs on behalf of CareFirst to ensure that the company’s position is considered in legislative and regulatory decisions. Enhance and solidify effective working relationships with State and Local legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, and various constituencies and community groups.
• Establish and implement proactive strategies to promote CareFirst’s legislative agenda. Coordinate and advance CareFirst’s positions regarding state legislation and regulations, including testifying on and amending bills introduced in the legislative session, educating, and working collaboratively with legislators, regulators, and the Executive branch.
• Promote state and local outreach and creative problem solving during the legislative session and interim by responding proactively and collaboratively to potential legislative, regulatory, and constituent threats and opportunities. Manage internal state and local government affairs teams, contract lobbyists, and coalitions to support legislative goals.
• Actively participate on legislative and regulatory workgroups, commissions, and task forces to promote CareFirst positions. Ensure that recommendations do not negatively impact CareFirst policy.
• Track, monitor, and communicate legislative proposals to senior management. Consult with various divisions throughout the company to determine each legislative and regulatory proposal’s potential impact on business practices, operational costs, efficiencies, and strategic direction.
• Oversee the strategic and day-to-day activities of the department, including recruiting, retaining, and developing a high-performing team. Evaluate team performance, generate development plans, and set goals aligned with corporate policies and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages people.

Qualifications

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science or related field.
Experience: 12 years of related experience and at least 5 years of increasingly responsible management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct lobbying experience before Maryland General Assembly is preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred, but not necessary.
• State or local government experience and strong relationships with key government officials in markets served by CareFirst.
• Knowledge of the healthcare industry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong customer service orientation, superior oral and written communication skills, and outstanding managerial and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships while enhancing the company’s image and legislative positions.
• Effective at meeting deadlines and handling multiple customer service demands within set expectations for excellence.
• Skilled in positive communication and customer service with internal and external stakeholders.

Salary Range

$238,240 – $357,360
The disclosed range estimate considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education/training, internal equity, and market considerations.

Department

Government Affairs

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. The company provides 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 Demands

The incumbent must disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes them ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.
Physical Demands: The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. Hands are regularly used to write, type, key, and handle small controls and objects. Must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in the U.S.

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

Learn more here