Director, Government Relations

Westchester Medical Center•Valhalla, NY

About The Position

The Director of Government Relations is a strategic leader responsible for developing and executing WMCHealth’s government relations agenda at the local, state, and federal levels. The role ensures that WMCHealth’s interests, priorities, and mission are represented in legislative, regulatory, and public policy environments. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President for Government & Community Relations, the Director leads the systemwide government relations function, maintains relationships with government agencies and policymakers, and advises senior leadership on legislative issues affecting the network. The Director collaborates across WMCHealth’s hospitals, service lines, and administrative divisions to support coordinated advocacy, consistent messaging, and compliance with public policy requirements. The role also identifies government funding opportunities and monitors public programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, that affect the network. Travel is required across the Hudson Valley and Albany, and occasionally to Washington, D.C.

Requirements

7–10 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy.
Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies at local, state, or federal levels.
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes related to healthcare.
Exceptional communication, analytical, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage complex policy portfolios across a multi-site organization.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Ability to travel across the Hudson Valley and Albany, and occasionally to Washington, D.C.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead WMCHealth’s government relations strategy across local, state, and federal levels.
Advise senior executives and hospital leadership on policy issues, legislative developments, and strategic opportunities.
Turn policy priorities into advocacy plans and support consistent implementation across the network.
Monitor, evaluate, and interpret legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting WMCHealth.
Prepare policy analyses, briefing materials, position papers, and testimony.
Represent WMCHealth in meetings, hearings, working groups, and regulatory forums with government agencies.
Coordinate systemwide responses to proposed regulations and legislation.
Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, public health departments, and regulatory entities.
Serve as WMCHealth’s primary liaison to government agencies on policy, compliance, reimbursement, and public health matters.
Represent the organization in regional and statewide health policy coalitions and advocacy alliances.
Collaborate with executive leadership, clinical departments, finance, legal, and compliance on policy positions.
Ensure systemwide awareness of government mandates, regulatory requirements, and policy changes.
Develop tracking systems and dashboards for legislative activity and regulatory deadlines.
Prepare regular reports for executive leadership on policy developments and strategic recommendations.
Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure and reporting requirements.
Identify opportunities for government funding, grants, and public program participation.
Collaborate on applications and compliance for state and federal funding initiatives.
Monitor changes in Medicaid, Medicare, and public health programs that affect the network.
Support integration of government relations with community relations and organizational priorities.
Serve as a subject-matter expert for internal committees and strategic planning groups.