Director of Policy Strategy

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota•Eagan, MN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we are committed to paving the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life. We are looking for dedicated and motivated individuals who share our vision of transforming healthcare. As a Blue Cross associate, you are joining a culture that is built on values of succeeding together, finding a better way, and doing the right thing. If you are ready to make a difference, join us. The Director of Policy Strategy will elevate the organization’s influence in the healthcare sector, strengthen its reputation, and advance its mission by developing forward-looking policy strategies. This leader will anticipate and interpret shifts in the political landscape, consumer behavior, and healthcare delivery—ensuring the organization stays ahead of the curve. By understanding and responding to long-range trends in healthcare policy and market dynamics, the Policy Strategist will drive progress toward affordable, high-quality outcomes in Minnesota and beyond. The Head of Policy Strategy is a future-oriented and strategic leader who shapes and advances the organization’s long-range policy vision and strategy. This role focuses on anticipating, analyzing, and leveraging evolving healthcare policy trends—locally and nationally—to position the organization as an innovator and thought leader in Minnesota and beyond. In this role, you will align the organization’s mission-driven goals with dynamic policy environments, ensuring the organization is prepared to influence, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Serving as a trusted advisor, this leader translates emerging trends and stakeholder insights into actionable strategies, strengthening the organization’s reputation, influence, and impact across all facets of external engagement. This leader works collaboratively across Public Affairs, Strategy, Communications, Marketing, and other executive teams to drive integrated initiatives that advance healthcare initiatives and organizational strategies.

Requirements

10 or more years of experience in policy strategy, external affairs, public affairs, or strategic engagement within healthcare, insurance, or public policy sectors.
Extensive experience navigating state and federal regulatory environments, with deep knowledge of healthcare policy, market dynamics, and emerging trends.
Proven track record of strategic leadership and executive-level experience in policy development and implementation.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions, especially with Public Affairs, Communications, Strategy, and executive leadership.
Strong analytical skills in trend analysis, environmental scanning, and long-range forecasting of healthcare policy and market shifts.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Experience building influential relationships with elected officials, regulators, community leaders, and media, and leveraging those relationships for strategic impact.
Expertise in the state and federal healthcare policy landscape, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and commercial insurance markets.
Significant experience advising executive leadership and boards on external relations, policy strategy, and organizational positioning.
Visionary thinking and a passion for advancing mission-driven healthcare innovation and equity.
Accepting this position at BCBSMN requires signing an Employee Confidentiality, Intellectual Property Assignment and Restrictive Covenants Agreement as a condition of employment.
High school diploma (or equivalency) and legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience/Master's Degree preferred.
Experience working within or alongside a health plan, managed care organization, or state health agency.
Active network of relationships with state and/or federal policymakers relevant to healthcare.
Experience leading or contributing to enterprise-wide branding, reputation management, or major public campaigns.