Director Government Relations

UW Health • Madison, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lead and execute federal and state advocacy strategies across Wisconsin, Illinois, and the federal government. This senior level role sits at the center of all government relations activity and combines direct lobbying, strategic issue leadership, and oversight of contracted lobbying firms at the state and federal levels.

You will serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and represent UW Health on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters impacting healthcare delivery, clinical practice at an academic medical center, and public funding programs.

We are seeking a Director of Government Relations to:

Requirements

• Extensive experience in state and federal government relations, healthcare policy, or public affairs.
• Proven success in direct lobbying and managing contract lobbyists.
• Strong leadership presence and experience advising senior leaders.
• Understanding of Medicaid, Medicare, CMS, and healthcare financing.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholders and high visibility initiatives.
• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Business Administration or related field Required
• 5 years of experience with state and/or federal government relations Required
• Experience building relationships with government agency and/or legislative staff Required

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in related field Preferred
• Experience as Legislative staff, in a state or federal agency, or as a lobbyist Preferred
• Experience representing a large, complex healthcare organizational or integrated system Preferred
• Experience working with academic institutions Preferred
• Experience with WI, IL and federal government Preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead UW Health’s federal and state government relations strategy, including Wisconsin and Illinois.
• Lead UW Health’s engagement with Congress, state legislatures, Governors’ offices, CMS, DHS, and other agencies.
• Conduct direct lobbying while also overseeing and coordinating contracted lobbying firms at the state and federal levels.
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on legislative and regulatory strategy.
• Advance high priority initiatives, including large scale government payment and funding programs.
• Partner with financial, clinical and operational stakeholders to align advocacy with operational and funding goals.
• Develop and manage strategic policy initiatives from concept through passage and implementation.
• Coordinate development of legislative strategies and ensure alignment across UW Health and with key partners at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Madison.

Benefits

• An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
• Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
• Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director