Federal Affairs Director

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association•Oklahoma City, OK

6d•$157,376 - $220,808•Remote

About The Position

The Federal Affairs Director is responsible for developing and executing strategies that advance BCBSA's legislative and regulatory priorities. This role leads advocacy efforts by cultivating and sustaining effective relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, Administration officials, and key external stakeholders to influence outcomes aligned with BCBSA's policy objectives. The Director represents BCBSA at official engagements and political events and collaborates closely across the Association and with Blue Plans to shape and inform advocacy strategies on issues impacting Plan business. In addition, this role partners with Federal Political Affairs to implement coordinated strategies and action plans that effectively leverage Plan resources at the federal level, while maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolving health policy landscape affecting the insurance industry.

Requirements

BS; political science, government relations, public administration, public policy, law, business or related field, or equivalent work experience
10+ Years Congress, Executive Branch or government affairs
Bachelor's degree in political science, government relations, public administration, public policy, law, business or related field, or equivalent work experience
10+ years' experience working in Congress, Executive Branch or government affairs
Significant experience working on key Congressional Committees (i.e., HELP, Senate Finance Committee, Ways and Means) strongly preferred
Deep understanding of the health care industry and Federal legislative and regulatory environment, including health care insurance issues and legislative policy development.
Demonstrated ability to leverage superior political acumen to influence, negotiate, and persuade others.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to influence decision/policy makers, with the ability to set and meet objectives in a dynamic environment.
Ability to assess and synthesize complex problems and public policy issues in an ambiguous policy environment, identifying business implications, anticipating policy shifts, and advocating for recommended outcomes.
Highly adaptable, able to adjust strategy in response to shifting political environments, administration priorities, or rule changes
Strong executive presence to engage credibly with senior government officials and other high-level stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate in groups and be a team player, with knowledge of congressional processes and procedures.
Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, with project management, analytical, planning, and presentation abilities, and the ability to build and sustain effective relationships.

Nice To Haves

MS health policy, MBA, legislative affairs or political management
Master's degree in health policy, MBA, legislative affairs or political management preferred

Responsibilities

Develop, foster, and strengthen relationships with key Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, Caucuses and Congressional staff.
Engage in federal lobbying activities with Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, Congressional staff, the White House, federal agencies and other health-related organizations to influence legislative and regulatory developments on priority issues.
Positively represent BCBSA brand to Hill staff and Members of Congress through official and political engagement.
Monitor congressional activity for impacts to Plan business and proactively identify areas of opportunity for BCBSA engagement with Congress and the Administration on federal issues.
Work collaboratively to execute legislative/lobbying strategies on key issues with federal lobbyists, state lobbyists, public affairs, political staff and policy and communications staff.
Provide strategic guidance to Association and Plan stakeholders on congressional processes, legislative developments, and political dynamics through targeted communications and executive-level presentations.
Deliver forward-looking insight on priority policy issues and help shape enterprise-wide advocacy strategy.
Lead cross-functional efforts to develop and align legislative positions, leveraging coalitions, external partnerships, and consulting resources to advance key initiatives.
Build strong relationships with Plan leadership to drive alignment and a coordinated approach to federal advocacy.
Maintain deep, enterprise-level expertise in Plan business operations, Blue system policy priorities, and the evolving legislative landscape, and apply this insight to assess and articulate the strategic impact of federal policy developments on Plan interests.
Demonstrate strategic leadership and innovative thinking in partnership with Political Affairs to optimize the use of BluePAC and corporate resources in strengthening and expanding relationships with key Members of Congress aligned to BCBSA’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Drive the development and execution of forward-looking, differentiated approaches to stakeholder engagement that enhance influence and advance the Association’s advocacy objectives.