Regional Government Affairs Director - Northeast

Modivcare•Jersey City, NJ

1d•$159,900 - $200,000

About The Position

Modivcare is seeking an experienced Government Affairs Director to lead and execute the Company’s government affairs strategy across its Northeast region, approximately 12 states, with significant support for its NEMT and Personal Care businesses. The role serves as the Company’s senior in-state representative before state legislatures, governors’ offices, Medicaid agencies, and other executive branch leaders. It leads legislative and regulatory engagement, manages contract lobbyists where appropriate, monitors policy developments, and partners with Sales, Business Development, Operations, Product, Legal, Compliance, and Marketing to protect and strengthen the Company’s market position. The position designs and implements state-level advocacy strategies aligned with enterprise priorities and manages stakeholder engagement and public affairs initiatives in collaboration with Corporate Affairs leadership. The Director represents the Company at state capitols and builds relationships with policymakers, agency officials, regulators, industry groups, and community stakeholders. They analyze legislative, regulatory, and procurement developments; communicate risks and opportunities; prepare testimony and other policy materials; and support contract retention, procurement readiness, rate stability, and operational implementation of new laws and regulations. The role also implements approved public affairs campaigns and supports political strategy through analysis of state political dynamics, policy trends, enforcement risks, and stakeholder sentiment. The position requires regular travel within assigned states, with travel expected to be 60% of the time. The work combines office work and travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Ten or more years of relevant experience in state government affairs, public policy, or public affairs, including direct experience working with state legislatures, governors’ offices, or executive branch agencies.
Demonstrated experience serving as a primary external representative before policymakers and regulators.
Experience coordinating or managing contract lobbyists and external stakeholders.
Strong project management and judgment skills, including the ability to work to deadlines with limited supervision.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting testimony, comment letters, and executive briefings.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret legislative language and regulatory guidance and translate implications into business insights.
Ability to collaborate professionally across Sales, Business Development, Operations, Product, Legal, Compliance, and Marketing.
Real-world experience advancing state-level legislative and regulatory strategies that supported business objectives.
Understanding of state procurement and rate-setting environments, particularly in Medicaid, non-emergency medical transportation, and personal care services.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior policymakers, agency leaders, and external stakeholders.
Confidence and presence to serve as the Company’s lead representative in a state or region.
Ability to manage multiple states with differing political and regulatory environments while maintaining strategic alignment with enterprise priorities.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly within assigned states; travel is expected to be 60% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in public policy, public administration, law, or a related field.
Experience in healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, transportation policy, human services, or another regulated industry.

Responsibilities

Represent the Company at assigned state capitols before executive leadership, including Medicaid directors, transportation program leaders, and personal care services administrators.
Develop and maintain relationships with legislative leaders and staff, executive branch officials, and regulatory authorities to advance company policy and business objectives.
Lead state-level legislative and executive branch advocacy, including direct lobbying and coordination with contract lobbyists.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative, regulatory, and procurement activity for its potential impact on operations, contracts, reimbursement, and compliance obligations.
Communicate policy developments, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions to senior leadership and cross-functional partners.
Prepare and deliver testimony, comment letters, issue briefs, and executive talking points for hearings, regulatory proceedings, and stakeholder meetings.
Partner with Sales, Business Development, and Operations to engage Medicaid, transportation, and personal care program leadership in support of contract retention, procurement readiness, and rate stability.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders on implementation of enacted legislation and regulations to support operational readiness and alignment.
Represent the Company in relevant state committees, advisory groups, and trade associations.
Implement and manage state-level public affairs initiatives with the Vice President and Corporate Affairs leadership.
Execute activated grassroots and grasstops engagement, including stakeholder outreach, coalition coordination, and third-party engagement, in alignment with enterprise strategy and messaging.
Support coalition participation and alliance development, maintaining relationships with provider groups, community stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and industry associations.
Conduct stakeholder mapping and maintain ongoing engagement plans for policymakers, regulators, and key influencers.
Provide local intelligence and risk assessments related to strategic alliances, community partnerships, and stakeholder positioning.
Deploy in-region surrogate engagement strategies and coordinate third-party validators consistent with enterprise guidance.
Provide insight into state political dynamics, leadership transitions, and electoral environments that may affect regulatory oversight, procurement cycles, or reimbursement frameworks.
Support state-level political engagement activities consistent with company governance standards and Corporate Affairs strategy.
Advise Corporate Affairs leadership on emerging policy trends, enforcement risks, and stakeholder sentiment.
Lead projects and perform other duties as assigned.