Regional Legislative & Policy Advocate

The Regional Legislative & Policy Advocate is responsible for establishing and maintaining Delta Dental's influence and advocacy with state legislatures and regulators, and building relationships with key stakeholders such as dental associations, industry groups, and state and local business associations. This individual develops a deep understanding of the legislative landscape by identifying, monitoring, and analyzing legislative proposals within a region of states, and using those insights to recommend and carry out advocacy to mitigate or support legislation as needed to execute Delta Dental's strategic goals. This role is a go-to thought leader in their region and is responsible to oversee and assign tasks to lobbyists in their assigned states.

• Monitor and track health insurance legislative activity on a wide range of topics, checking for applicability to dental and opportunities or requirements for advocacy in the company's interest.
• Create and execute on a plan to increase Delta Dental's presence with key stakeholders through in-person legislative and regulatory visits, fundraiser attendance, dental association sponsored events, and events with local chambers of commerce.
• Translate the enterprise-wide government affairs strategy into a targeted strategy for assigned region and lead its execution, including creating state-by-state plans to advance enterprise interests and support regional sales objectives.
• Coordinate advocacy, research and other similar efforts with support of in-state lobbyist as necessary; including development of the scope of (advocacy) research, assistance in drafting lobbying plans at the local and state level, and managing outreach to educate and advocate for policies that support enterprise strategic initiatives.
• Provide oversight to legislative and political lobbyists, and make recommendations to Manager regarding their performance and assignments.
• Coordinate and participate in grassroots activities such as industry conference calls, in-person meetings, letter writing campaigns and appearances before legislative/regulatory bodies to offer testimony.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with divisional colleagues and other business partners to support enterprise objectives and resolve issues, including advising the business on specific queries and emerging policy trends, providing thought leadership, supporting broker education and gaining expertise in various areas to support business needs.
• Establish, maintain and nurture good working relationships with legislators, regulators, and other policymakers at the state and federal level in order to facilitate the business interests and foundation activities of the enterprise.
• Represent the enterprise and support trade associations (DDPA/NADP/AHIP) at policy conferences and events as needed.
• Accepts special projects upon request to support the team's ability to provide insight and thought leadership on an assortment of topics.

• 4+ years related experience in legal affairs, government affairs, public policy or similar; direct experience in policy and/or advocacy work highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree. Equivalent education, training or experience may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate business processes and recommend effective solutions.
• Legal research and analysis skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process.
• 35% travel throughout the assigned region. Candidate must live central to the assigned region.
• Organization and time management skills including the ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail.
• Computer skills including Word, Excel, SharePoint, Westlaw, etc.
• Knowledge of and ability to execute process and data-driven structured analysis techniques.
• Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively and comfortably interact at all corporate and political levels.
• General understanding of healthcare and insurance operations.

• Competitive base and incentive pay
• 401(k) with robust matching and non-matching contributions
• Rich medical & pharmacy benefits
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits
• Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives
• Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
• Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
• Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance
• Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
• Employee discount program