Government Relations Program Director

Banner Health • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $54 - $89

About The Position

Banner Health believes leadership matters. We look for people who share our vision making health care easier, so life can be better. Our leaders are at the front of the health care transformation, planning the future of Banner Health. In this role you will support Banner Plans and Networks by focusing on public policy initiatives, advocacy efforts and building relationships with state Medicaid agencies. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance program goals and long-term objectives. This position is Monday-Friday working 8:00am-5:00pm. Within Banner Health Corporate, you will have the opportunity to apply your unique experience and expertise in support of a nationally-recognized healthcare leader. We offer stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide array of disciplines. Whether your background is in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Managed Care Programs or Public Relations, you'll find many options for contributing to our award-winning patient care. POSITION SUMMARY This position serves as a government relations professional responsible for supporting strategic government relations initiatives with a primary focus on Banner’s insurance division, Banner Plans and Networks (BPN). This role concentrates on identifying and analyzing public policy and legislative issues impacting Medicaid programs, coordinating organizational responses, and maintaining relationships with Arizona state government officials and policymakers. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to advance the organization's government relations objectives and ensure effective advocacy for Banner Plans and Networks.

Requirements

• Must possess a thorough knowledge of government relations and/or healthcare policy as normally obtained through the completion of a bachelor's degree in business, public policy, political science, journalism, or related field.
• Must possess a strong background in government affairs, public policy, or legislative relations as normally obtained through seven years of related experience.
• Must have knowledge of Arizona state government, legislative processes, and Medicaid/managed care regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with healthcare policy, particularly Medicaid programs, is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, healthcare administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience working directly with Arizona state government officials and agencies preferred.
• Knowledge of AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) policies and regulations preferred.
• Experience in healthcare industry government relations or advocacy preferred.
• Established relationships with Arizona state legislators and policymakers preferred.
• Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis and Monitoring: Identifies and analyzes public policy and legislative issues that impact BPN. Monitors Arizona state legislative calendars, committee activities, and regulatory proceedings related to Medicaid and managed care. Prepares detailed briefing materials, position papers, and impact assessments for leadership review. Collaborates with internal stakeholders including clinical, financial, and operational teams to gather input on policy positions and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Strategy Development and Coordination: Coordinates strategy and response to public policy and legislative issues affecting BPN. Supervises the development and execution of strategies to address identified policy challenges and opportunities. Works with senior government relations leadership to ensure consistent approach across all advocacy efforts. Develops action plans and timelines for policy initiatives and tracks progress against established objectives.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Maintains strong relationships with Arizona governor's office, state lawmakers, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) directors and staff, and other state policymakers. Serves as a liaison with mid-level government officials and their staff members on Medicaid-related matters. Coordinates meetings and briefings between organizational leadership and state government officials. Manages ongoing communication strategies with elected officials' offices and state regulatory agencies.
• Organizational Representation: Represents the organization, along with other team members, on various public policy and legislative issues in the community. Participates in industry associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups focused on Medicaid and managed care policy. Coordinates with peer organizations on joint advocacy initiatives related to Arizona healthcare policy. Monitors and reports on association activities and emerging trends in state Medicaid programs.
• Internal Communications and Reporting: Develops and coordinates internal communications on public policy and legislative issues affecting BPN. Provides regular updates to management on legislative developments, regulatory changes, and advocacy activities. Prepares executive briefings and presentations for leadership meetings and board presentations. Ensures timely dissemination of relevant policy information to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Maintains effective working relationships with cross-functional teams to provide government relations input and support to help achieve the organization's goals. Collaborates with legal, compliance, finance, operations, and communications teams on policy matters. Supports integration of government relations considerations into strategic planning and operational decision-making. Facilitates information sharing between government relations and other departments to ensure coordinated organizational responses.
• Program Implementation and Compliance: Implements government relations programs and initiatives as directed by senior leadership. Ensures compliance with state lobbying registration requirements and reporting obligations. Tracks government relations activities and expenditures related to BPN initiatives. Coordinates with legal counsel on regulatory compliance and ethics requirements related to government relations activities.
• General Government Relations Support: Provides strategic support to the broader government relations department on initiatives and priorities beyond BPN-specific matters. Assists with monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments affecting Banner Health's integrated delivery system, including acute care, post-acute services, and other healthcare operations. Supports departmental projects, coalition activities, and advocacy campaigns as assigned. Contributes to the development of organizational position statements and testimony on healthcare policy issues. Participates in government relations team meetings and planning sessions to ensure coordinated advocacy efforts across all Banner Health entities. Provides backup support for other government relations team members during peak legislative periods or as needed to maintain continuity of departmental operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees