Government Relations Manager - Full Time 40 Hours

Job Description

The Government Relations Manager is responsible for executing Connecticut Children’s advocacy strategy, growing a robust grassroots and grasstops advocacy network, and elevating the advocacy capabilities of our pediatric subject matter experts. This role also works with the Senior Director of External and Government Relations to effectively promote the organization's interests with key officials in the state and federal governments. This position reports to the Senior Director of External and Government Relations.

Responsibilities

DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP

The Government Relations Manager will identify opportunities to streamline Connecticut Children's External and Government Relations Department operations, oversee the day-to-day management of our state and federal legislative relationships and implement creative strategies to promote the visibility of the organization’s annual advocacy strategy. The Government Relations Manager will facilitate the Department’s understanding of the evolving public policy landscape by routinely summarizing relevant news as reported in the media, on social media channels and monitoring updates published by governmental agencies and commissions. During the state legislative session, the Government Relations Manager oversees critical functions to support legislative activity during the state legislative session like overseeing bill tracking, participation in public hearings, management of legislative meetings, and engagement of key Connecticut children’s subject matter experts in the legislative process.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Government Relations Manager will build and maintain internal infrastructure for collaboration with subject matter experts, identify and address legislative and regulatory advocacy risks/opportunities, and provide interpretive guidance to facilitate implementation of new organizational requirements. Key duties under this role include: oversight of the public policy council, engagement of subject matter experts in the public hearing process, working with the other members of government relations team to set the organization’s legislative priorities.

This role will actively collaborate with team members in other departments to support organizational awareness of our advocacy strategy and milestones and to promote external partners’ and policymakers’ awareness of Connecticut Children’s expertise and resources.

STRATEGY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

As part of the External Affairs and Government Relations team, the Government Relations Manager will participate in the development of an annual legislative advocacy strategy and create deliverables that communicate that strategy to internal and external audiences. The Government Relations Manager will develop and implement visibility opportunities to share Connecticut Children’s insights and expertise with policymakers and other external partners and build and strengthen relationships with policymakers. This role will work with other members of the team to set a legislative agenda which supports the strategic priorities of the organization.

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

The Government Relations Manager designs and implements new procedures to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the External Affairs and Government Relations Department.

SELF DEVELOPMENT

Establish and maintain self as a professional expert and resource to the Government Relations team, as well as the organization, patients, families and the community. Participate in appropriate professional organizations and continuing education programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role manages the legislative process and facilitates the advocacy capabilities of the internal grassroots subject matter experts who are critical to the organization’s ability to advance its legislative agenda.

Qualifications

BA degree in business, economics, political science, or related discipline required.

Minimum of eight (8) years' experience working in government relations (legislative, regulatory, policy, corporate) with at least three years in the health care industry.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Connecticut legislature

Connecticut State Agencies and/or regulatory bodies

Hospital and health care operations

Priority issues in children’s health policy and health equity

External thought leader organizations in the children’s policy space

SKILLS:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong leadership skills

Strong organizational skills

Sound judgement and decision-making skills when confronted with competing needs/objectives

Intermediate to advanced and-user skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Intermediate skills in using database applications

Detail oriented approach to problem solving

Strong decision making skills

Work Environment:

Fast paced

Ability to work with minimum supervision/direction

About Us

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.