Government and Community Relations Specialist

Neighborhood Healthcare•Escondido, CA

2d•$73,500 - $104,400

About The Position

The Government & Community Relations Specialist supports Neighborhood Healthcare’s Government Relations & Community Outreach efforts, with a primary focus on advancing the organization’s priorities at the local level. This role contributes to developing and executing a government and community relations strategy that strengthens Neighborhood Healthcare’s presence and influence among key stakeholder groups. This position is instrumental in cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships with city and county legislators, legislative aides, elected officials, public health agency leaders, business and healthcare industry representatives, school administrators, charitable organizations, and members of community planning groups. Additionally, the Specialist leads community outreach efforts to engage residents, local organizations, and underserved populations, ensuring that Neighborhood Healthcare remains responsive to community needs and visible in public forums. Through proactive advocacy and outreach, this role ensures Neighborhood Healthcare is a trusted voice in local policy discussions and a valued partner in initiatives that promote the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, healthcare administration, or a related field required; equivalent experience (minimum four years) may be considered in lieu of a degree
2 years experience in government relations, public affairs, community outreach, or a related field required
Demonstrated experience engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations required
Experience providing services or conducting communications with diverse populations
Knowledge of governmental bodies and community-based organizations that impact the organization
Strong understanding of healthcare policy and community health systems
Expert interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
Strong organizational, analysis and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing and proofreading skills
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Excellent planning and organizational ability
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
Ability to assess situations and independently develop a plan of action with a necessary sense of urgency
Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner with all levels of staff and volunteers, including Board Members, Donors, internal managers and directors
Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred
Experience planning and executing community engagement events or public forums

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of Neighborhood Healthcare’s government relations strategy in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs
Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and regulatory developments that impact FQHCs, PACE programs, and community health
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, public health agencies, and other government stakeholders
Coordinate and facilitate site visits, tours, and meetings with policymakers and government representatives
Draft policy briefs, talking points, and official correspondence to support advocacy efforts
Represent Neighborhood Healthcare at public hearings, legislative sessions, and community forums
Track and report on advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, and policy outcomes
Plan and implement outreach initiatives to engage community members, local organizations, and underserved populations
Serve as a liaison between Neighborhood Healthcare and community groups, schools, nonprofits, and planning bodies
Organize and participate in community events, health fairs, and public forums to promote awareness of Neighborhood Healthcare’s services and mission
Identify opportunities to collaborate with local partners to address health equity and the social determinants of health
Collect and share community feedback with internal teams to inform program development and advocacy priorities
Ensure consistent messaging and visibility of Neighborhood Healthcare in community settings