Director of State Government Relations

Centerstone•Bloomington, IN

About The Position

The Director of State Government Relations leads Centerstone’s state legislative and regulatory strategy in support of its mission. As the primary government relations leader in the state, this position manages relationships with policymakers, contract lobbyists, advocacy organizations, and internal leaders to advance policy priorities. The Director advises market CEOs and executive teams, briefs the Board of Directors and executive leadership, monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments, and develops state-specific government affairs strategies. The role also provides strategic legislative support to other states in the Centerstone system, accounting for up to 20% of responsibilities. The successful candidate must live within a one-hour commute of the Indiana State Capitol. The position requires frequent travel to the Capitol during the legislative session, occasional travel throughout the state, and periodic out-of-state travel. Work may occur in office, clinical, residential, and/or community-based environments. The position is classified as sedentary work and may involve routine use of office, clinical, or electronic systems and equipment. Hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts based on program needs. There are no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a policy-related field.
At least 10 years of government relations/state policy experience.
Deep understanding of federal, state, and local government structures and legislative and political processes, including the state’s landscape and key decision makers.
Strong judgment and diplomacy with a wide range of public and internal audiences.
Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including business leaders, public officials, community representatives, consumers, and trade associations.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong collaboration and consensus-building skills, including the ability to cultivate buy-in throughout the System.
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Executive presence, presentation skills, and facilitation skills.
Ability to set priorities and manage projects autonomously, completing them on time and on budget.
Proactive, independent self-starter able to multitask and manage competing priorities.
Must live within a one-hour commute of the Indiana State Capitol.
Ability to travel frequently to the State Capitol during legislative sessions, occasionally throughout the state, and periodically out of state.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience within the healthcare industry; other government relations, policy, or advocacy experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a state government relations strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
Manage the policy and legislative agenda and activities for key state markets.
Advise market CEOs and executive teams on state legislative and regulatory risks and opportunities.
Provide policy updates and briefings to the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
Serve as the primary liaison to state government officials, associations, and other external stakeholders.
Engage elected officials and staff, state agencies, and state associations to influence healthcare policy.
Develop state-specific government affairs strategies reflecting political, regulatory, and healthcare landscapes.
Oversee lobbying efforts and manage relationships with external consultants and advocacy partners.
Anticipate and respond to policy trends affecting healthcare delivery, behavioral health, substance use, and FQHC operations.
Monitor, research, and analyze legislative and regulatory developments; assess operational impacts and communicate findings internally.
Represent Centerstone at the state capitol, including maintaining a strong in-person presence during legislative sessions.
Collaborate with regional and clinical leaders to align legislative strategies with local priorities and stakeholder interests.
Represent the System in coalitions, workgroups, and public forums to advocate for policies supporting its mission and goals.
Lead the drafting of comments for state and/or federal regulatory RFIs.
Identify and develop content for Centerstone communication platforms.
Provide strategic legislative support to other states within the Centerstone system, up to 20% of the role.