What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Government Relations position at UW Health?
Job Description
Work Schedule:
This is a full time position, scheduled Monday through Friday with core business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The role is hybrid, with a regular need to work onsite to support organizational priorities. Off hours availability may be required to support legislative activity, government engagement, or time sensitive organizational needs.
Be part of something remarkable
Lead and execute federal and state advocacy strategies across Wisconsin, Illinois, and the federal government. This senior level role sits at the center of all government relations activity and combines direct lobbying, strategic issue leadership, and oversight of contracted lobbying firms at the state and federal levels.
You will serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and represent UW Health on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters impacting healthcare delivery, clinical practice at an academic medical center, and public funding programs.
We are seeking a Director of Government Relations to:
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal 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.
Job Description
UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 90 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.
Work Schedule:
This is a full time position, scheduled Monday through Friday with core business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The role is hybrid, with a regular need to work onsite to support organizational priorities. Off hours availability may be required to support legislative activity, government engagement, or time sensitive organizational needs.
Be part of something remarkable
Lead and execute federal and state advocacy strategies across Wisconsin, Illinois, and the federal government. This senior level role sits at the center of all government relations activity and combines direct lobbying, strategic issue leadership, and oversight of contracted lobbying firms at the state and federal levels.
You will serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and represent UW Health on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters impacting healthcare delivery, clinical practice at an academic medical center, and public funding programs.
We are seeking a Director of Government Relations to:
- Lead UW Health’s federal and state government relations strategy, including Wisconsin and Illinois.
- Lead UW Health’s engagement with Congress, state legislatures, Governors’ offices, CMS, DHS, and other agencies.
- Conduct direct lobbying while also overseeing and coordinating contracted lobbying firms at the state and federal levels.
- Advise the CEO and senior leadership on legislative and regulatory strategy.
- Advance high priority initiatives, including large scale government payment and funding programs.
- Partner with financial, clinical and operational stakeholders to align advocacy with operational and funding goals.
- Develop and manage strategic policy initiatives from concept through passage and implementation.
- Coordinate development of legislative strategies and ensure alignment across UW Health and with key partners at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Madison.
- Extensive experience in state and federal government relations, healthcare policy, or public affairs.
- Proven success in direct lobbying and managing contract lobbyists.
- Strong leadership presence and experience advising senior leaders.
- Understanding of Medicaid, Medicare, CMS, and healthcare financing.
- Ability to manage complex stakeholders and high visibility initiatives.
- An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
- Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
- Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
- Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
- Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Business Administration or related field Required
- Master's Degree in related field Preferred
- 5 years of experience with state and/or federal government relations Required
- Experience building relationships with government agency and/or legislative staff Required
- Experience as Legislative staff, in a state or federal agency, or as a lobbyist Preferred
- Experience representing a large, complex healthcare organizational or integrated system Preferred
- Experience working with academic institutions Preferred
- Experience with WI, IL and federal government Preferred
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal 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.
Job Description
UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 90 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.