Vice President of Government Relations (50137)

WESTCARE INC•Miami, FL

3d•$140,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Vice President of Government Relations – Florida serves as WestCare Florida’s executive leader for all governmental relations, legislative advocacy, and public policy initiatives across the state. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances WestCare Florida’s behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, prevention, reentry, and community-based service priorities. As a member of the Florida leadership team, the Vice President provides strategic counsel to regional leadership, represents WestCare Florida at the highest levels of state and federal government, and drives public funding and policy outcomes critical to organizational sustainability and growth. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Work, Behavioral Health, or a related field required.
5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or lobbying.
Demonstrated executive-level experience engaging with state and/or federal government entities.
Proven success securing public funding or influencing legislative or regulatory outcomes.
Excellent communication skills required
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion required
Ability to work well in a team environment required
Ability to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and confidentiality required
Professional appearance and demeanor required
Must be sensitive to populations served
Ability to utilize a computer and software that includes Microsoft 365.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, or nonprofit systems strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as WestCare Florida’s executive authority on government relations, legislative affairs, and public policy under the guidance of the COO.
Develop and lead a statewide government relations strategy aligned with WestCare’s mission, strategic plan, and Florida regional priorities.
Advise the COO, regional leadership, and senior leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory risks and opportunities.
Represent WestCare Florida in high-level governmental, policy, and advocacy settings, regional, statewide, and nationally.
Serve as the primary liaison to the United States legislators, the Florida Legislature, the Governor’s Office, county commissions, municipal governments, and federal partners.
Lead advocacy efforts related to behavioral health, substance use treatment, prevention, mental health, criminal justice, reentry, and social services.
Monitor and analyze state and federal legislation, regulatory changes, and budget proposals impacting WestCare Florida.
Coordinate and manage with contracted lobbyist.
Develop organizational policy briefs, talking points, and legislative agendas as needed.
Coordinate state and national legislative days in collaboration with the COO and regional leadership to annually advocate for and advance WestCare Florida’s priorities.
Lead the identification, pursuit, and advocacy of state appropriations, federal earmarks, and other public funding opportunities.
Partner with regional leadership to establish annual governmental funding priorities and strategies for each Florida region.
Collaborate with development, finance, and operations teams to align advocacy with grant submissions and government contracts.
Track, evaluate, and report on public funding outcomes and return on advocacy efforts.
Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with elected officials, agency leadership, regulatory bodies, and key policy influencers.
Represent WestCare Florida in statewide and national coalitions, associations, and advocacy organizations.
Oversee and manage relationships with contracted lobbyists and external governmental affairs consultants.
Coordinate executive-level meetings, briefings, and site visits for policymakers and government leaders.
Partner with operations, compliance, communications, and development teams to ensure cohesive advocacy, messaging, and policy alignment.
Support public relations efforts related to legislative initiatives, funding awards, and policy positions.
Provide regular briefings and reports to the COO on legislative developments, funding opportunities, and advocacy outcomes.
Establish metrics and reporting structures to evaluate the effectiveness of government relations strategies.
Perform any other duties as assigned.