Director of State Government Relations

Centerstone • Bloomington, IN

1d • $119,800 - $179,720

About The Position

The Director of State Government Relations leads Centerstone’s state legislative and regulatory strategy in support of its mission. The Director serves as the organization’s primary government relations leader in the state, managing relationships with policymakers, contract lobbyists, advocacy organizations, and internal leaders to advance policy priorities. The position also provides strategic legislative support to other states within the Centerstone system, accounting for up to 20% of the role.

The role requires a strong understanding of the state’s political, legislative, regulatory, and healthcare landscape and the ability to translate policy developments into organizational strategies. The candidate must live within a one-hour commute of the Indiana State Capitol. Frequent travel to the Capitol during the legislative session, occasional travel throughout the state, and periodic out-of-state travel are required. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work may take place in office, clinical, residential, and/or community-based environments, depending on the role and assignment. Duties may involve routine use of office, clinical, or electronic systems and equipment, and prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work. The position is classified as sedentary work, involving up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount frequently. Hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts based on program needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a policy-related field.
• At least 10 years of government relations or state policy experience.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local government structures, legislative and political processes, the state landscape, and key decision makers.
• Ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy with diverse public and internal audiences.
• Ability to work with 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 at all levels of the System.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Executive presence and strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to set priorities and manage projects autonomously, completing them on time and on budget.
• Proactive, independent self-starter with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Must live within a one-hour commute of the Indiana State Capitol.
• Must be able to travel frequently to the State Capitol during legislative session, occasionally throughout the state, and periodically out of state.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive state government relations strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Manage policy and legislative agendas and activities for key state markets.
• Advise market CEOs and executive teams on state legislative and regulatory matters, including risks and opportunities.
• Provide strategic 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 and implement state-specific government affairs strategies reflecting local political, regulatory, and healthcare landscapes.
• Oversee lobbying efforts and manage relationships with external consultants and advocacy partners.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging policy trends affecting healthcare delivery, behavioral health, substance use, and FQHC operations.
• Monitor, research, and analyze legislative and regulatory developments; assess organizational impacts and communicate findings internally.
• Represent the organization at the state Capitol, including maintaining a strong in-person presence during the legislative session.
• 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 policy positions supporting its mission and goals.
• Lead drafting of comments for state and/or federal regulatory requests for information.
• Lead identification and development of content for Centerstone’s communication platforms.
• Provide strategic legislative support to other states within the Centerstone system, up to 20% of the role.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• 403b retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays.
• Company-paid AD&D insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Resource Groups.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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