Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Lead the government affairs function, including developing and executing strategy for optimizing VSP’s relations with federal and state policymakers and act as liaison between VSP and outside government relations specialists in representing VSP before Congress, state policymakers, federal and state regulatory agencies. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of government relations at the state and federal levels. The role requires significant experience with government and regulatory agencies, political affairs, public policy, grassroots advocacy, management, and industry affairs. Partner with the CEO, CLO and other members of the executive leadership team to define the strategic direction of the organization’s policy and advocacy objectives and the investments necessary to achieve those objectives Lead the process to develop, grow and maintain an influential position for the organization impacting federal and state public policy initiatives Support the development of policy positions and strategies to advance the interests of VSP’s position on multiple issues affecting VSP enrollees, its doctors, and VSP itself including healthcare policy Oversee and ensure an effective key, influential stakeholder outreach program to support VSP in promoting the organization’s strategic objectives with top subject matter expert leaders Anticipate emerging government, public, or community/social issues of importance and position VSP to address those issues Serve as an advisor on legislative, and public-sector matters, as well as on public sector strategic decisions and the impact of these decisions Represent VSP on leading coalitions poised to impact and drive the organization’s policy objectives Develop working relationship with key leaders and policy makers, including but not limited to elected and appointed legislative and congressional staff; administrative and regulatory officials and staff, and other leaders in the federal and state executive and legislative branches, with a key focus on those with jurisdictional influence over health care funding, coverage, access and development Lead presentations to the Board, the executive leadership team, and other relevant stakeholders to build consensus Develop and execute a strategic direction for VSP’s PAC and support PAC leadership to optimize the PAC as part of the overall government relations strategy Organize miscellaneous special events, if necessary Job Specifications Typically has the following skills or abilities: Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field or equivalent experience 10 years’ experience with clear progression to senior leadership/management roles, leading and motivating, cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams to achieve strategic goals Graduate Degree preferred Fifteen years of experience with federal and state legislative and regulatory processes Outstanding personal communicator with the stature and presence to represent the organization at industry forums and events, legislative arenas with stakeholders, partners, and other trade associations, and a track record of nurturing positive relationships with legislators, administrators, and lobbyists, as well as with senior management and board members Experience as a political strategist, working closely with executive and legislative bodies, agencies, and departments at the state and federal level Ability to work with others in the development of policy positions with the goal of producing aligned agendas that further organizational priorities; demonstrated skills in leading consensus-building processes Ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs into concise and credible messages at the highest levels of government and business, with a proven track record of delivering high-volume and high-quality work Executive presence and strong verbal, written and public speaking and presentation skills, for both internal and external audiences Ability to effectively identify problem areas and requisite solutions and drive execution of those solutions with positive outcomes Ability to maintain a sense of urgency, efficiency, and flexibility Ability to execute a hands-on approach to build credibility, relationships, and knowledge Ability and willingness to travel, estimated as up to 25% to 30% of time, as needed or requested by VSP This position is located in the Washington, DC area. Working Conditions The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust etc. The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. #LI-REMOTE #LI-VISIONCARE VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. As a regular part of doing business, VSP Vision (“VSP”) collects many different types of personal information, including protected health information, about our audiences, including members, doctors, clients, brokers, business partners, and employees.  VSP Vision employees will have access to this sensitive personal information and are subject to follow Information Security and Privacy Policies. Why VSP Vision? When you become a VSPeep, you join a group of thinkers, doers, adventurers, risk-takers, and boundary pushers who think outside the peripheral to develop products, programs, and services that help create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. Our goal to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company isn't a fixed destination but rather a constant endeavor to learn, grow, and drive positive change. We strive continually to enhance the lives of each of our employees, members, stakeholders, and communities. Join the power of our purpose and check out job opportunities with VSP Vision and its strategic businesses, including: VSP Vision Care, Marchon Eyewear, Altair Eyewear, VSP Optics, Eyefinity EHR, VSP Retail, VSP Ventures, and Eyes of Hope (our charitable giving platform).