Director, Federal Agency Relations

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association•Oklahoma City, OK

5d•$154,300 - $223,750•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Federal Agency Relations is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with Blue Plans and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in support of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHBP) programs. The role sets the strategic direction for FEP’s engagement with OPM, serves as a primary decision-maker on OPM-related matters, and exercises autonomy in determining FEP’s responses to OPM priorities, inquiries, and emerging issues. It directs cross-functional teams in developing coordinated responses and works with the SVP of FEP on long-term OPM engagement, including pending legislation and proposed federal regulations. The Director develops and executes integrated communication strategies for Blue Plans and government agencies, oversees formal communications with OPM senior leadership, and serves as BCBSA’s primary representative to the Association of Federal Health Organizations (AFHO). The role is the single point of contact for federal agency interactions and leads or co-leads OPM benefits negotiations, audits, contract negotiations, and responses to OPM carrier letters. It also manages the annual Site Visit Questionnaire and federal agency site visits, and develops and maintains a customer relations strategy to influence OPM’s award of the annual service charge, approximately $400 million. The position leads and develops a team of government liaisons, promotes a culture aligned with BCBSA values and leadership competencies, and delivers operational excellence and efficiency. It also supports legislative monitoring and influence, organizes annual congressional meetings for the FEHB/PSHB program, and sets strategic interactions with the National Labor Office concerning federal and postal unions.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent work experience.
At least 7 years of related experience within the health care industry or related disciplines; extra posting information states 10+ years.
Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
Outstanding time-management skills.
Strong project leadership skills.
Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
Prior project or program leadership experience demonstrating the ability to set priorities and meet objectives for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Strong technical proficiency with information technologies, such as Microsoft software applications.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree.
Demonstrated AI literacy and understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.
Fellow, Academy for Healthcare Management (FAHM) - AHIP certification.

Responsibilities

Set the strategic direction for FEP’s engagement with OPM and serve as a primary decision-maker on OPM-related matters.
Determine FEP’s approach and responses to OPM priorities, inquiries, and emerging issues; coordinate cross-functional teams to develop cohesive responses.
Build relationships with OPM contracting officers and senior officials, identify high-impact opportunities, understand agency needs, and navigate complex disputes.
Collaborate with the SVP of FEP on long-term OPM engagements, including pending legislation and proposed federal regulations.
Develop and implement integrated communication strategies for Blue Plans and government agencies.
Oversee daily formal communications with OPM senior leadership regarding government agency developments.
Represent BCBSA and FEP as the primary representative to the Association of Federal Health Organizations (AFHO).
Manage the annual revision of the Site Visit Questionnaire and federal agency on-site visits; supervise the team arranging and conducting site visits.
Lead initiatives for efficient internal process management, including Issue Log resolution and coordination of Carrier letter responses.
Lead OPM engagements for audits, contract negotiations, and responses to OPM carrier letters.
Serve as the single point of contact for federal agency interactions, co-lead annual OPM benefits negotiations, and track negotiation progress and deliverables.
Develop and maintain a customer relations strategy to influence OPM’s award of the annual service charge.
Monitor and influence federal legislation, organize annual congressional meetings for the FEHB/PSHB program, and set strategic interactions with the National Labor Office on federal and postal union matters.
Lead and develop the team, foster a culture aligned with BCBSA values and leadership competencies, and deliver operational excellence and efficiency.