Associate Director of State Relations for Health Sciences

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of State Relations for Health Sciences is one of two senior government affairs professionals who together represent a coordinated partnership spanning the medical school and clinical enterprises. Based in the Office of State Relations & Statewide Outreach, the role is primarily focused on priorities to the School of Medicine and Public Health, with responsibility for the academic, research, and education policy portfolio. The Associate Director partners closely with the Director of Government Affairs at UW Health to ensure unified institutional positions, eliminate duplicative lobbying, and coordinate joint advocacy on issues that cross both domains. The two directors meet regularly, co-develop an annual joint legislative agenda, and present aligned recommendations to senior leadership across both organizations. The UW–Madison Office of State Relations & Statewide Outreach builds relationships while developing and implementing strategies to advance UW–Madison's priorities with the state legislature, the governor, statewide associations, and state government agencies. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Relations/Senior Director of State Relations & Statewide Outreach with a dual reporting line to the Chief of Staff to the Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health, the Associate Director of State Relations for Health Sciences will work with University Relations and campus health sciences programs, including the School of Medicine & Public Health, along with the Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy, to plan and assist in the implementation of state government relations and statewide outreach efforts. Core competencies include strategic planning, collaboration, rapid-response advocacy, executive communication, and supporting mission-driven leadership.

Requirements

6+ years of experience with the Wisconsin legislative process and a demonstrated knowledge of state government, state agencies, major public policy issues impacting academic medicine and healthcare, higher education, and the state biennial budget process.
Knowledge of and work experience within state government, a research university, academic medical center, medical specialty society/medical professional association, federal government/federal agency with ties to Wisconsin, or healthcare/health policy organization.
Strong relationships with Wisconsin State Legislature and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Effective and professional communications skills, both verbal and written.
Able to brief deans, chairs, center and institute directors, faculty, and boards to provide guidance and policy recommendations.
Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with wide range of individuals stakeholders, particularly in state government and healthcare organizations.
Ability to work quickly and accurately on complex projects, manage multiple priorities, and work in a team environment.
Ability to research, analyze, and articulate complex educational, health and medical research, policy, and legislative issues.
Bachelor's degree in political science, education, public relations, government, communications, or related field or equivalent work experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and work experience in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a health system or hospital, or a statewide healthcare advocacy organization.
Experience working in a matrixed reporting structure.
Familiarity with UW-Madison or other public research universities.
Advanced degree (J.D., M.P.H, M.P.P).

Responsibilities

Maintain all required state lobbying registrations and disclosures for the School of Medicine and Public Health.
Ensure all advocacy activities comply with state statutes and university ethics and policies.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the institution to the state Department of Health Services (DHS).
Represent the School of Medicine and Public Health in advocacy coalitions and statewide associations.
Oversee bill tracking efforts, draft memos, and provide recommendations to campus leadership when needed on certain proposals and responses.
When needed, contact campus stakeholders on legislative proposals to solicit feedback.
Analyze legislative proposals and major policy items, including the biennial state budget and provide recommendations on response or approach to the Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health and other campus leaders.
Draft responses to requests by elected officials and state government officials.
Plan briefings in the Capitol and other activities on campus involving legislators and state government officials.
Coordinate legislative activities, requests, and outreach on behalf of the School of Medicine and Public Health. These would also include activities and representation for the State Lab of Hygiene.
In collaboration with SMPH and university Strategic Communication offices and University Relations, set key messaging themes and implement strategies to advance campus priorities and strengthen relationships with the state.
Brief the Dean, Vice Deans, department chairs, and faculty senate on legislative developments, coordinate and develop advocacy training and guidelines for faculty and trainees.
Respond to campus partners who have healthcare and academic medicine policy questions and needs related to state legislation or state government operations.
Advance reputation of the School of Medicine and Public Health among key state stakeholders, working in collaboration with the school’s Office of Strategic Communications.
Craft and implement a legislative and state government outreach strategy with a primary emphasis on state healthcare related issues and needs (research, facilities/infrastructure, training).
Support statewide outreach efforts and other external relations projects.
Serve as the School of Medicine and Public Health’s active liaison with UW Health government relations.
Attend joint meetings with the UW Health Director of Government Relations and others.
Co-develop the joint legislative agenda and report on progress and shared goals.
Engage the governor’s office, state legislature, and state higher education and health agencies on funding academic programs, workforce pipeline investments, and research initiatives hosted at the school.