Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE:
The Government Affairs Director will be responsible for helping develop Maryland Government Affairs strategy, communications and advocacy to support, promote and protect business objectives and policies of the company. The Government Affairs Director will communicate, advocate and reinforce CareFirst's opinions and positions throughout the Executive and Legislative branches of the Maryland 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 legislative, regulatory, and political landscape.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Engage Maryland 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 such that CareFirst is positioned to influence policy development as a thought leader and trusted resource.
Working with public policy team and internal subject matter experts, coordinate CareFirst's positions regarding state legislation and regulations. Research, develop and articulate positions on a wide variety of issues of public policy affecting the company.
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 are consistent with CareFirst's goals and mission or avoid legislative and regulatory threats. Identify thought leadership opportunities.
Function as liaison with BCBSA, government entities and other trade associations as appropriate on federal issues. Communicate CareFirst's opinions and positions within the BCBSA and government entities, influence the policy development at the associations and encourage BCBSA and government officials to lobby on CareFirst's behalf.
Working with public policy team, track, monitor, and communicate legislative and regulatory proposals to senior management. Consult with various divisions throughout the company to determine each legislative and regulatory proposal's potential impact on (1) current business practice, (2) operational costs and efficiencies and (3) future strategic direction of the company.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree OR in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.

Experience: 10 years progressive experience in government relations or public policy in the government and/or private sector. Strong relationships with legislative branches and committees of importance and in 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 knowledge of 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 health care, health insurance and public health care programs.
- Knowledge of federal health care laws, regulation, reporting requirements, and political processes.
- Knowledge of government affairs, especially at the federal level.
- Ability to lead, to make decisions, and to 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 a variety of CareFirst management, retained consultants, legislators and other elected/appointed officials, regulators, staff of trade associations and other key stakeholders.
- Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers 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 at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilites of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).
  Department
  
  Government 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 Disc/Physical Demand
  
  Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on health care programs.
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.
  Sponsorship in US
  
  Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship.
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