New

VP Government Relations

UMass Memorial Health
United States, Massachusetts, Worcester
Mar 08, 2025
Are you an internal caregiver, student, or contingent worker/agency worker at UMass Memorial Health? CLICK HERE to apply through your Workday account. Exemption Status: Exempt Schedule Details: Monday through Friday Scheduled Hours: Day Shift, Will Vary Shift: 1 - Day Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America) Hours: 40 Cost Center: 99940 - 5808 Gov Comm Relat Corp Services This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process. Everyone Is a Caregiver At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 16,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day. Opportunity Proposition You will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining strong relationships with legislators, government entities, and other key stakeholders to advance UMMH's strategic objectives and influence within the region. Principal Responsibility Develop and implement federal, state, and local policy advocacy strategies on behalf of the health system and its member entities, including an academic medical center, four community hospitals, and a community-based agency. Principal Duties Strategic Advocacy Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy and plan aligned with the organization's mission, priorities, and growth objectives. This includes fostering stronger relationships with legislators, state, local and federal government officials, and regulatory bodies. Provide policy and advocacy advice to CEO, as well as UMMH system and entity leaders to effectively coordinate and advance federal, state, and local policy initiatives. Proactively address emerging legislative and regulatory challenges by representing the organization effectively and advancing policies that support its mission. The VP-GR will lead efforts to strengthen the organization's reputation and visibility among government entities and external partners. Of particular importance, act as the primary liaison with state legislative, executive, and regulatory agencies, including the Department of Public Health (DPH), Health Policy Commission (HPC), and Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) advocating for key initiatives, including license mergers, service expansions, and addressing healthcare disparities in Central Massachusetts. Analyzes the impact of legislative and regulatory proposals on the system and entities and develops the system's and entities' government advocacy strategy. Testifies directly on behalf of UMMH and entities as needed, and drafts written or oral testimony, letters, talking points or other communications for system leaders. Leads UMMH coordination of government/policy strategy with government relations staff of national and state associations to which it belongs. Relationship Building Establish and maintain strong relationships with legislators, regulatory staff, and executive branch leaders, as well as with relevant associations (e.g., Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association). Build partnerships across various stakeholders, including insurers, healthcare associations, and patient advocacy groups. Engage consistently with the state delegation, providing briefings and organizing tours to highlight UMass Memorial Health's contributions and challenges. Manage relationships with external federal and state lobbying firms representing UMMH and directly engage in policy advocacy in coordination with them. Builds and maintains effective and collaborative working relationships with federal, state, and local officials and their staff, administrative agency staff, health industry associations, and government relations colleagues who represent similar institutions. Educates policymakers, their staff, and other stakeholders about UMMH and its entities to enhance their appreciation of their mission, impact, and challenges. Policy and Legislative Monitoring Track and analyze healthcare-related legislation, state budgets, and regulatory developments to identify opportunities and risks for UMass Memorial Health. Prepare briefing materials and recommendations for leadership on proposed bills and regulations affecting the organization. Collaborate with leadership to influence state healthcare policies and secure resources or support through legislative and budgetary measures. Leadership and Collaboration Work closely with UMass Memorial leadership, including the CEO and Chief of Staff, to align government relations activities with the organization's strategic priorities. Facilitate coordination among internal teams and external consultants to ensure a unified advocacy approach. Ensure consistent coordination with other UMMH colleagues, including media affairs, communications, community benefits, Medicaid/Medicare policy, and other staff. Actively participates in ad hoc internal working groups as needed. Encourage and support diverse views and approaches, act in accordance with UMMH's Standards of Respect, and contribute to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, respect, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors. Develops and maintains procedures necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements, including the Massachusetts lobbying law. Personal and Professional Profile Extensive experience (10+ years) in government relations and public affairs, with a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and legislative processes. Deep understanding of Massachusetts' legislative and regulatory processes and a track record of successfully advancing organizational priorities within Massachusetts government or healthcare sectors. Demonstrated strategic "chops" coupled with a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities for UMass Memorial Health. Familiarity with key healthcare policies and programs, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare/Medicaid, and 340B drug pricing programs. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and advocate effectively across diverse audiences. A collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to "get to yes" in challenging situations. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, capable of engaging with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders. High level of professionalism and adaptability to represent the organization's interests effectively. Experience with crisis management and high-pressure scenarios; able to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively. High emotional intelligence, even temperament, and strong relationship-building skills. Ability to balance strategic foresight with humility and adaptability. Capable of working with fast-paced leadership while ensuring long-term alignment with organizational goals. Prior experience managing relationships with lobbyists, consultants, and external allies / stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others. A commitment to advancing the mission of UMass Memorial Health as a safety net provider for underserved communities. *Bachelor's degree. Master's or Law degree preferred. For more information please contact: Jerry Grady (jgrady@wardgroup.com) Mike Morris (mmorris@wardgroup.com) Jim Ward (jward@wardgroup.com) All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.