Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs

Vocational Instruction Project•New York, NY

About The Position

The Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs is a strategic leadership role designed to strengthen VIP Community Services’ influence, visibility, and partnerships within the Bronx and across New York City and State. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer, the Director serves as a primary liaison between VIP and government entities, healthcare payers, community boards, and local stakeholders. This individual is responsible for securing discretionary funding, diversifying revenue through private foundations, and advocating for an integrated care model that bridges healthcare, housing, and economic empowerment. The role's primary focus is on Government Affairs & Strategic Funding, including discretionary funding (NYC City Council and State sources), Federal Community Project Funding (CPF), and private and corporate foundation funding. A secondary focus is on Community & Board Engagement, encompassing community engagement and local stakeholder presence, organizational visibility and reputation management, and Board and advisory group communication. The role also has an advisory function in Healthcare & Payer Strategy, supporting payer relations through strategic positioning and contributing to clinical and integrated care narrative development.

Requirements

5+ years in government relations, community organizing, public affairs, or strategic development, ideally within the NYC non-profit, healthcare, or FQHC sector.
Deep understanding of the New York healthcare market, the complexities and related costs of serving high-need populations.
Proven track record of securing government discretionary and private foundation funding, or equivalent experience within legislative offices overseeing the approval and distribution of public funding.
Exceptional public speaking and persuasive writing skills.
Ability to translate clinical and financial data into compelling funding and policy narratives.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Health Administration, Communications, or related field.
Commitment to VIP’s integrated model of healthcare, recovery, housing, and economic empowerment.
Ability to assess how city, state, and federal policies impact service delivery and funding opportunities.
Ability to build processes, systems, and partnerships from the ground up in a newly established role.
Comfortable representing VIP in high-level policy, funding, and community forums.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships with Bronx-based elected officials and NYC/NYS legislative staff is highly desirable.
Master’s degree in Public Policy, Health Administration, Communications, or related field.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute and manage an annual legislative agenda at the city, state, and federal levels.
Lead the end-to-end preparation and submission of NYC City Council Discretionary Funding requests and Federal Community Project Funding applications (e.g., FY27 requests).
Maintain active relationships with elected officials (e.g., Federal, local City Council, and State Legislature) to ensure VIP remains a priority for district-specific initiatives.
Monitor legislation and budget proposals impacting healthcare, Medicaid, and social services.
Collaborate with VIP’s lobbyists to create frequent opportunities for meetings with representatives.
Represent VIP on trade association policy committees.
Represent VIP in key external forums and policy discussions, such as Social Care Networks (SCNs), Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) implementation initiatives, and Medicaid redesign and 1115 waiver-related developments.
Proactively identify and respond to government and private RFPs across VIP’s integrated service spectrum.
Coordinate the development of a robust pipeline of private family and corporate foundations; manage the full grant cycle from initial outreach to stewardship.
Cultivate relationships with local corporations and healthcare payers (e.g., Healthfirst, Emblem, Fidelis, and Molina) for sponsorships and mission-aligned projects.
Conceptualize “special projects” grounded in data to attract diversified funding.
Develop and maintain a centralized funding pipeline and tracking system to monitor submission status, awards, and compliance requirements.
Position VIP as a leader in “whole-person” care, emphasizing the synergy between Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental Services, and Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN).
Support the organization in identifying funding for clinical expansion, including any new initiatives/programs.
Highlight VIP’s clinical outcomes and community impact to managed care organizations to support improved incentive based financial partnerships.
Support value-based care and alternative payment model positioning through policy and funding alignment.
Represent VIP at Community Board meetings, local precinct councils, and neighborhood coalitions as directed.
Prepare the monthly Board communications regarding legislative wins, community engagement, and fundraising milestones.
Support and help coordinate a Fundraising Advisory Board to increase local engagement and support for VIP’s comprehensive programs.