Director of Government Relations

Location: Salem Hospital, 720 Winter Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Government Relations
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Exempt, On-Site
Schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Your role with us

As Salem Health's Director of Government Relations, you will serve as a key ambassador for Salem Health, acting as the strategic voice and advocate for our health system in the public policy arena. This role is pivotal in shaping and advancing our organization’s legislative priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. You will be a trusted advisor to executive leadership, lead interactions with contract lobbyists, and represent Salem Health in the community to build relationships that foster trust and strengthen our mission. This highly visible leadership role requires strategic vision, political acumen, demonstrated knowledge of and experience in health care governmental affairs and a working knowledge of Oregon government and politics, as well as breadth of experience in community relations and public affairs.

If you thrive on strategic thinking, influencing policy, and creating meaningful partnerships, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the sustainability and reputation of our health system.

What we're looking for

• Strategic thinker with proven experience in government affairs.
• Collaborative leader who can build trust and influence across diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of legislative processes and Oregon healthcare policy, funding, and regulatory environment.
• Skilled communicator who can represent Salem Health effectively in public forums.
• Relationship-builder who thrives on creating partnerships that drive community health.
• Results-oriented professional with the ability to manage budgets and lead teams.
• Above average emotional intelligence with an ability to remain objective, setting aside personal politics and speaking/acting solely on behalf of Salem Health.
• A candidate who demonstrates commitment to Salem Health's values of Excellence, Caring, Integrity, Accountability, and Teamwork and a passion for the mission and vision of our organization.

What you'll do

• Develop and execute a proactive, comprehensive government affairs strategy aligned with Salem Health’s mission and goals.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity at local, state, and federal levels, advise leadership on potential impacts, and recommend appropriate organizational responses while actively influencing outcomes.
• Advocate for Salem Health’s interests by influencing policy decisions and legislative direction.
• Serve as the primary liaison with elected officials, government agencies, and healthcare associations.
• Represent Salem Health at legislative hearings and industry events.
• Partner with Marketing and Community Outreach to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.
• Oversee government relations budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance.
• Manage and mentor a team.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the Executive Leadership Committee and Board committees.

Required qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in government and community relations.

Additional information

The strongest candidates will demonstrate:

• A proven track record of successful lobbying and knowledge of the Oregon State Legislature.
• Familiarity with healthcare funding and Oregon-specific initiatives.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws impacting healthcare and nonprofit status.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.