Government Affairs Director

Position Overview:

The Government Affairs Director serves as the strategic lead for advancing legislative, regulatory, and public policy priorities related to Graduate Medical Education (GME), Teaching Health Centers (THCs), and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This position is responsible for developing and executing advocacy strategies that strengthen funding, policy support, and stakeholder engagement at the community, state and federal levels.

The Director cultivates relationships with legislators, government agencies, healthcare associations, community partners, and internal leadership to advance organizational priorities and expand access to high-quality, community-based healthcare and workforce development. The role requires a strong understanding of healthcare policy, reimbursement structures, workforce initiatives, and appropriations processes impacting safety-net providers and medical education programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Develop and implement comprehensive state and federal advocacy strategies supporting GME, THCs, and FQHC priorities.
• Serve as the organization’s primary liaison with legislators, congressional offices, state agencies, regulatory bodies, and healthcare coalitions.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative and regulatory developments affecting healthcare workforce training, community health centers, Medicaid, Medicare, and healthcare funding.
• Advocate for appropriations, grants, and policy initiatives that expand and sustain healthcare workforce development and access to care.
• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, position statements, legislative summaries, and advocacy materials for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings, advocacy days, fly-ins and strategic engagement opportunities with elected officials and policymakers.
  
  
  

Funding & Policy Development

• Lead efforts to secure and protect state and federal funding for GME programs, Teaching Health Centers, and FQHC initiatives.
• Identify emerging funding opportunities, appropriations initiatives, and public policy trends aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop policy priorities and strategic advocacy agendas.
• Support grant-related policy strategy and governmental partnership opportunities where applicable.
• Analyze the impact of proposed legislation and funding changes on organizational operations and financial sustainability.
  
  
  

Stakeholder & Coalition Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare associations, academic institutions, residency programs, primary care organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in local, state, and national coalitions focused on healthcare access, workforce development, and community-based training.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among clinical, operational, and executive leadership teams regarding advocacy priorities and policy initiatives.
• Promote awareness of the organization’s mission, impact, and policy priorities through strategic communication and external engagement.
  
  
  

Strategic Leadership

• Advise executive leadership on governmental affairs strategy, legislative risks, and opportunities.
• Develop annual advocacy goals, policy priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Track and report on legislative activity, funding outcomes, and advocacy impact.
• Support organizational positioning as a leader in community health, workforce innovation, and healthcare equity.
• Ensure advocacy activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.