Vice President of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor

University of Vermont Health Network•South Burlington, VT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor serves as UVM Health’s most senior leader responsible for public affairs, including external and internal communications, media relations, government relations, regulatory affairs, policy leadership, and community relations. This role integrates the functions listed above to advance UVM Health’s mission of delivering high-quality, accessible and affordable health care across Vermont and Northern New York. The Vice President operates with a public and community-service mindset, grounding all work in the interests and needs of patients and communities while building durable trust with lawmakers, state and local officials, regulators, partners, employees, clinicians, and the public. As a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership, this role provides candid, unvarnished counsel on decisions with material reputational, political, policy, regulatory, or community consequences, before those decisions are made. The Vice President oversees plainspoken, transparent communications that reflect how patients, employees, and communities experience UVM Health, acknowledging setbacks and progress alike. Through direct engagement with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders, the Vice President develops policy and advocacy strategies rooted in data and patient impact, positioning the UVM Health system as both a leader and a responsible community partner. The Vice President leads and mentors a multidisciplinary Public Affairs Team, embedding first principles of transparency, trust, and service into daily practice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 15 years’ experience in public affairs, health care policy, government relations, communications, or a related field.
At least 5 years at a senior leadership level in a complex, highly regulated organization.
Incumbent must reside in the region served by UVM Health.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in health care or health care policy related field preferred.
Health care experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as UVM Health’s most senior leader responsible for public affairs, including external and internal communications, media relations, government relations, regulatory affairs, policy leadership, and community relations.
Integrates public affairs functions to advance UVM Health’s mission.
Operates with a public and community-service mindset, grounding all work in the interests and needs of patients and communities.
Builds durable trust with lawmakers, state and local officials, regulators, partners, employees, clinicians, and the public.
Serves as a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing counsel on decisions with material reputational, political, policy, regulatory, or community consequences.
Oversees plainspoken, transparent communications.
Develops policy and advocacy strategies rooted in data and patient impact through direct engagement with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders.
Leads and mentors a multidisciplinary Public Affairs Team, embedding first principles of transparency, trust, and service into daily practice.