Program Director, Government Relations

The Program Director of Government Relations shapes and advances Endeavor Health’s mission and strategy on relevant policies and legislation at local, state and federal levels by establishing and maintaining relationships with key policymakers, institutions, and non-profit organizations.  Monitors and keeps senior leaders informed of local/county/state/federal legislation, develops an annual advocacy agenda, and manages issues that could impact Endeavor Health or the healthcare system.  Includes membership on various civic organizations/committees, and representation of Endeavor Health on many public functions and events throughout each week.

• Position: Program Director, Government Relations
• Location: Warrenville, IL
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Required Travel: travel to other Endeavor Health locations may be required

Government Relations & Advocacy

• →Directs Endeavor Health’s Government Relations efforts and monitors key legislative issues affecting the system acting as key contact with federal, state, county and local elected officials in the primary and secondary service areas to drive impact and change. 
• →Develops and advances annual advocacy agenda on behalf of Endeavor Health interests in collaboration with System Director and hospital President/CEOs and other stakeholders to drive impact.
• →Advocates or lobbies elected officials on behalf of Endeavor Health, participates in various events and activities held/hosted by local officials.  Handles reporting of lobbying activities as needed to stay in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• →Attends out of town advocacy meetings, prepares meeting material sand briefing for executive/leadership team members attending including trips to Springfield and/or Washington, DC to meet with elected officials.  Meet with elected officials in their home offices.  Prepares and engage Executive Leadership Team for meetings. 

Stakeholder Relationship Management & Development

• →Serves as an Endeavor Health liaison with the American Hospital Association, the Illinois Hospital Association, and other advocacy groups on advocacy and other related initiatives with deep focus on subject matter area/initiatives assigned.
• →Informs local, statewide officials of Endeavor Health major legislative and community issues.  Collaborate with the Marketing, Finance, Community Impact and Health Equity teams to prepare written materials to update policy makers on the positive impact and economic value of Endeavor Health on the communities it serves.
• →Proactively shapes approach and communicates with local officials and neighbors about issues on hospital campuses that impact the community; regularly updates neighbor groups as needed and helps resolve any issues working closely with facilities and construction Departments.

Policy Monitoring & Analysis

• →Develops and maintains robust processes for tracking local, state, and federal policies or legislative changes and their respective impacts to Endeavor Health’s facilities, community investments or services.
• →Maintains and provides updates for comprehensive VIP email distribution list for service area elected officials, civic leaders, and former leaders.  List used as basis for monthly email updates to VIPs in service area.

Coordination & Communication

• →Manages the development/training of Hospital President’s and other key leaders on government relations and advocacy approaches.
• →Maintains knowledge of current consumer trends by participating in various community groups and by reading appropriate job-related literature and attending seminars and conferences.
• →Supports Community Impact and Engagement team functions such as Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Implementation Strategy, Community Benefit tracking and reporting, home and wellness events, Community Relations, and Community Investment Fund (CIF).
• →Liaise with various departments to connect key leaders with outside groups to support and promote strategic goals in the CIF, CHNA. 

• →Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Business Administration, or related field, required. Master's degree in Public Policy, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Public Administration, or related field, preferred.
• →Certification: Registered lobbyist, preferred
• →Experience:
  • →8+ years of experience in government relations, government position, legal or public relations required.

• →
  • →2+ years of experience in a leadership role required.

• →Unique or Preferred Skills:
  • →Experience communicating and collaborating with community groups, particularly related to advocacy and legislative issues.
  • →Experience advocating or lobbying elected officials and developing and advancing advocacy agenda.
  • →Proven effective management and strong presentation skills.
  • →Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • →Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • →Ability to adapt to changing cultural contexts and exhibit cultural competence.
  • →Ability to manage relationships with several internal and external stakeholders.
  • →Problem-solving skills.
  • →Conflict management skills.