The Minnesota Council of Health Plans is hiring a Director of Policy and Government Affairs to work with the existing government relations team. This is a full-time, permanent position which includes a generous benefit package. The mission of the Council is to improve the health of Minnesotans by supporting the work of Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans. The main responsibility for this highly motivated candidate is to advance the goals of the health plan industry towards that mission. Working closely with the President/CEO and the existing Policy and Government Affairs staff, the Director will manage and coordinate the Council’s policy and legislative strategy, attend legislative hearings, track legislation, work with other health plan lobbyists and legal staff, and meet with legislators and staff.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Identify and monitor key bills/legislative proposals and state and federal regulatory activities
• Consult with Council members regarding legislation, collect information and data to help determine Council position
• Conduct research and analysis on state and federal public policy issues and produce written communication to advance public policy goals, including policy papers, talking points, testimony, PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets, research summaries, etc.
• Develop and disseminate the organization’s policy positions to legislators and other state elected officials using fact-based information to advance the organization’s goals
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal employees, other stakeholders, administration, legislators and staff
• Monitor state administrative activity, including task forces, committee hearings and boards and provide accurate written reports
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement meetings and other special projects by scheduling meetings, coordinating and collaborating with external organizations
• Staff various Council committees
• Communicate quickly and clearly with Council members; respond to Council member requests in a timely fashion
• Employ excellent time management and meeting management skills to ensure productive, efficient meetings
• Maintain functional, organized digital and paper filing systems
• Perform other duties as included or assigned

Required Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience working in state government relations
• Have a BA in political science, health policy or related field; MA or law degree a plus
• Possess excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Able to analyze an issue from all points of view and remain nonpartisan
• Able to plan, organize, and implement legislative strategies
• Able to respond quickly to changes in the fast-paced environment of legislative session
• Possess excellent public speaking and highly effective negotiation skills
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaborate on a team
• Able to organize and manage multiple projects with changing priorities
• Possess good planning, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor
• Be flexible and willing to accommodate the demanding work schedule during the legislative session
• Be proficient with Microsoft Office applications

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and see. Arms, hands and fingers will be needed to reach and operate a computer keyboard, touch-tone telephone and other office equipment. The employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 20 pounds or more. Standing/carrying/kneeling required when involved in program presentation or equipment maintenance. The employee will be required to attend hearings in the evening and sometimes late into night.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of experience working in state government relations; trade association experience a plus
• Strong interest in government relations, law, health care and public policy
• Experience developing health policy, writing comment letters to state and federal agencies, testimony for legislative hearings, and preparing consumer-facing materials
• Demonstrated ability to respond to senior level executives and elected officials
• Experience in leading teams and project management
• Experience presenting to multi-stakeholder groups
• Experience with health insurance plans and federal or state agencies

Please note this job description is not a complete list of the duties, responsibilities or activities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter with references to Pam Houg at houg@mnhealthplans.org