Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE: 
The Vice President, State Government Affairs is responsible for the development and implementation of a multi-state strategy to advance, support, promote and protect CareFirst's political, policy and business objectives. As head of the State Government Affairs team within CareFirst's Public Policy and Government Affairs Division, the VP will oversee legislative and regulatory affairs in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions as necessary on behalf of CareFirst and its subsidiaries and will develop and foster strong relationships with regulators and legislators across these jurisdictions. In addition to serving as CareFirst's lead government affairs representative in these jurisdictions, the VP will support the growth and development of government affairs professionals in each market served by CareFirst, and coordinate with colleagues across the business to understand and advance the company's policy priorities at the state level. The VP will also represent the interests of CareFirst within trade associations and coalitions and contribute to the company's thought leadership initiatives. 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Represents CareFirst before governmental bodies and other key stakeholders to ensure that the company's positions are considered in legislative and regulatory decisions and that bills and regulations are either introduced or amended to be consistent with CareFirst's mission, policy, strategy and objectives. Enhance and solidify effective working relationships between CareFirst and state legislators, regulators, and opinion leaders. Gather and communicate political intelligence in real time.
• Establish and implement proactive strategies to promote CareFirst's policy agenda at the state level. Coordinate and advance CareFirst's positions regarding state legislation and regulations, including testifying on and amending bills introduced in the legislative session, educating, and working collaboratively with state legislators, regulators and the Executive Branch. Promote state and local outreach and creatively problem solve during the legislative session by responding proactively and collaboratively to legislative, regulatory, and constituent concerns and opportunities. Manage internal state and local government affairs teams, contract lobbyists on the state and local level, and building coalitions in order to pass, or amend legislation to be consistent with CareFirst's goals and mission or defeat legislation that poses a threat to CareFirst policy and operations.
• Actively participate in the strategic planning, thinking and development of healthcare policy in the company and ensure that proposed state legislation and regulation supports CareFirsts policy objectives. Track, monitor, and communicate legislative proposals to senior management. Consult with various divisions throughout the company to determine each legislative and regulatory proposal's potential impact on (1) current business practice, (2) operational costs and efficiencies and (3) future strategic direction of the company. Work internally with various departments to ensure proposed corporate policy does not create opposition among core constituencies. Ensures that CareFirst remains legally compliant by communicating and supporting the implementation of new laws and regulations.
• Oversees the strategic and the day-to-day activities of the Department, including directing, coaching, and guiding associates to implement departmental, divisional, and organizational mission/goals. Recruits, retains and develops a high performing team. Evaluates performance of each team member, generates development plans and sets goals within the context of the corporate policies and procedures. Develops annual goals, and prepares, monitors, and analyzes variances of departmental budgets to control and appropriately allocate resources.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position manages people.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or a related field.

Experience: 12 years of related experience and at least 5 years of increasingly responsible management experience. 
be a registered Lobbyist in the appropriate jurisdictions
Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree preferred, but not necessary. State or local government experience and strong relationships with key government officials in markets served by CareFirst. Knowledge of the healthcare industry. 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must possess strong customer service orientation, superior oral and written communication skills, and outstanding managerial and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and persuade others. Requires the ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships while enhancing the companys image and legislative positions.,
  The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes them ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs. Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities, deadlines, and workloads that can be variable for long periods of time. Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Salary Range: $238,400 - $357,600

Salary Range Disclaimer

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilites of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Department

Government Affairs

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Where To Apply

Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers

Federal Disc/Physical Demand

Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship.