Description and Requirements

The Director, Federal Government Relations will execute and support a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances Healthfirst's mission and goals with federal elected officials and agencies. Under the direction of the Vice President of Government Relations, the Director will help to develop and will execute a comprehensive strategy designed to promote Healthfirst's advocacy objectives and maintain Healthfirst's presence as a thought leader in Medicare. In order to be successful, the Director must have an in-depth understanding of the federal policymaking process and with Medicare Advantage policy, so as to ensure Healthfirst's priorities are well-established and well-respected throughout the legislative process. Externally, the Director will work with elected officials, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. Internally, the Director will work cross-functionally with Healthfirst senior leadership, Finance, Product, Regulatory Affairs, and other key departments. The Director will be required to register as a lobbyist and must ensure personal compliance with all lobbying requirements and reports, as well as political activity laws. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a related position. This is a hybrid role consisting of reporting to our 100 Church Street, NYC office 3 days per week and will be expected to travel between New York City and Washington, DC as per business needs.

• Maintain and develop relationships with elected officials and staff.
• Represent Healthfirst at meetings with elected officials and staff.
• Serve as liaison to associations.
• Partner with and assist in managing external lobbyists.
• Track legislation, regulation, and funding opportunities.
• Evaluate pending legislation in consultation with internal subject matter experts and advise on its varied implications for Healthfirst.
• Work closely with other Healthfirst staff in pursuit of funding and/or programmatic opportunities.
• Direct and support approved lobbying initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, government, health policy, or a related field.
• Must have 7+ years of government and/or health policy-related experience.
• Must have extensive experience and understanding of the public policy and/or legislative process on the federal level.
• Must have an understanding of health care policy, ideally with a focus on Medicare Advantage and other issues that impact health insurance plans.
• "Executive presence" and the ability to immediately establish credibility within the organization and with elected officials and other trusted partners.
• Natural ability to effectively work with others in ways that fosters personal and professional ownership.
• Must have managerial skills to work effectively across all functions and levels of the organization, from entry-level staff to the senior leadership and board members.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities promptly and consistently with minimal direct supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.