Staff Vice President (VP) External Affairs

Elevance Health • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Staff Vice President (VP) External Affairs Location Washington D.C This role requires associates to be in-office at least 3 days per week, fostering collaboration and connectivity, while providing flexibility to support productivity and work-life balance. This approach combines structured office engagement with the autonomy of virtual work, promoting a dynamic and adaptable workplace. Alternate locations may be considered. Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless an accommodation is granted as required by law. Summary The Staff Vice President, External Affairs is responsible for shaping and advancing integrated public affairs strategies that enhance the company’s legislative, regulatory, and reputational objectives. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight of advocacy, public affairs, political engagement, and coalition-building efforts across federal and state landscapes. Reporting to the Vice President, Federal and External Affairs, the Staff VP serves as a senior leader who integrates business priorities with public policy strategies, ensures alignment across advocacy channels, and drives execution to influence policy outcomes and support business growth. Team Scope 4 direct reports

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, political strategy, or related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams and complex programs

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience leading multi-channel advocacy campaigns (federal and state)
• Strong knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and political processes
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and external stakeholders
• Experience in healthcare or a highly regulated industry
• Recent leadership experience in the federal executive branch, Congressional branch, or communications or advocacy firm
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide advocacy and public affairs campaigns
• Experience with coalition formation (including c3/c4 structures) and third-party strategy
• Strong network of relationships with policymakers, trade associations, and advocacy organizations

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Integration Partner with senior leadership within Public Affairs and across the enterprise to design and execute a cohesive public affairs strategy aligned to legislative, regulatory, and business priorities.
• Translate enterprise and business unit objectives into integrated advocacy, communications, and political engagement strategies.
• Ensure alignment and coordination across federal, state, and business unit efforts to maximize enterprise impact.
• Advocacy Campaign Leadership Oversee the design and execution of integrated advocacy campaigns supporting: State legislative and regulatory priorities Congressional engagement strategies Executive branch and agency advocacy efforts Cost of care and business development activities Direct the development of grassroots and grasstops strategies to mobilize stakeholders and influence policy outcomes.
• Ensure campaigns are strategically aligned, data-driven and executed, leveraging multi-channel approaches, including digital platforms, media, third-party engagement, and direct stakeholder outreach.
• Public Affairs, Communications & Narrative Strategy Lead the development of enterprise-level public affairs campaigns, including unbranded communications and media strategies to shape public opinion and policy environments.
• Play a leading role in the development of proactive and reactive communications and management of issues related to federal and state policy and regulatory developments, including rapid response and shaping of the enterprise and advocacy narrative and proof points.
• Provide strategic direction for engaging with policymakers, including alignment on public communications such as letters, social media engagement, and other advocacy materials.
• Lead development of thought partnership platforms and executive/surrogate positioning to advance enterprise priorities.
• Guide storytelling strategies that support business development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coalition Building & External Engagement Lead coalition strategy, including the creation and management of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, where appropriate, to advance policy objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with trade associations, advocacy organizations, policymakers, and key influencers to amplify impact.
• Represent the company in high-level external forums, coalitions, and public affairs initiatives.
• Political Strategy & Third-Party Engagement Provide senior oversight of political engagement strategies and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Leverage established relationships, including in Congress and the executive branch, as permissible, to advance Elevance Health priorities in alignment with Public Affairs strategies.
• Lead third-party engagement strategies, including consultants, advocacy organizations, and aligned partners to extend influence.
• Ensure effective coordination of political, advocacy, and communications strategies across stakeholders.
• Business & Market Support Partner with business leaders to support key enterprise priorities, including: Business development initiatives through strategic positioning and storytelling Provider negotiations through targeted advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies Align external affairs strategies to support growth, market positioning, and competitive differentiation.
• Operational Excellence & Performance Management Oversee vendor, consultant, and budget management across advocacy and external affairs programs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure campaign effectiveness and inform strategy refinement.
• Ensure strong coordination across internal stakeholders, including government relations, communications, legal, and business units.
• Define and track success through measurable outcomes, including successful policy and regulatory advancements, coalition impact, congressional engagement results, business development successes and enterprise wins, including a focus on membership, savings, revenue and op gain.
• Leadership & Talent Development Directly manage Strategic Advocacy team, providing coaching, development, and performance oversight.
• Build and lead a high-performing team that leverages innovative and best-in-class advocacy strategies.
• Foster collaboration and alignment across enterprise functions.

Benefits

• Elevance Health offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).
• We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and incentive bonus programs (unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement), medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, stock purchase plan, life insurance, wellness programs and financial education resources, to name a few.

What This Job Offers

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