JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the SVP, Government Affairs, the VP Government Affairs is responsible for planning, overseeing, and directing the government affairs function for Baylor Scott and White Health (BSWH), which may include federal, state, and local government affairs, policy research, policy advocacy programs, and other regulatory oversight activities that impact BSWH healthcare operations. Plans and implements strategies, programs, and activities to promote the organization's position to government officials, focusing on government and legislative areas that contribute or develop solutions to healthcare challenges that impact BSWH. Maintains and nurtures the relationships with government and associated authorities to represent and protect the organization's interests. Leads analysis of proposed legislative actions, determines the potential impact on BSWH, and develops appropriate responses as appropriate. Represents the organization's interests to legislative and regulatory agencies. Leads and develops responses to government policy issues which may include direct interaction with individuals who are elected, appointed, or act as representatives of government or government agencies, with a focus on state and federal government. Collaborates closely with executive leadership, operations, legal, risk management, and other departments to develop BSWH government relations programs and promote the organization in government policy matters.

A system Vice President (VP) develops strategy and business plans for one or more business units or functional areas. Business unit or area may include a level of smaller entity vice presidents (e.g. small hospitals, clinics, etc). Leads strategy development and execution, identifies resourcing needs, and provides guidance for significant tactical decisions. Focuses on current-year operations and participates in establishing multi-year strategies and business plans. Erroneous decisions at this level tend to have a long-term negative effect on the success of the organization. Leads and directs a large division, multiple departments, or a single business unit. Typically directs multiple levels of subordinate vice presidents (entity/region), directors, and/or managers covering varied disciplines and skill levels. Has managerial accountability for staffing and budgets for a large span of control (at least 2 directors/managers) or is over a critical but small staff function. Exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments. Responsible for executing a portion of the business strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees the healthcare policy advocacy and government affairs function for BSWH.

• Leads the reviews of proposed and enacted statutes, rules, and regulations at the federal and state level that may impact BSWH.

• Identifies, evaluates, and interprets burgeoning and ongoing healthcare and public policy-related issues for senior leadership, and creates a forum for interaction with public policy makers in Texas and the U.S.

• Triages policy issues based on priority and delivers opinions and responses to appropriate departments and individuals.

• Coordinates complex legislative and regulatory matters and public policy having significant impact on BSWH and its hospitals, the physician network organization, and the overall system.

• Leverages a background in politics, public administration, and policy to build, nurture, and maintain good working relationships with all relevant state and federal legislative and administrative staff and community stakeholders.

• Leads the review and analysis of proposed laws and regulations that may impact BSWH and its patients as well as the political landscape in which they are being considered.

• Monitors various policy sources for changes, updates, and developments and identifies and provides potential impacts, findings, and legal briefs as appropriate.

• Researches and identifies outside funding for projects that are important to BSWH mission.

• Partners with other healthcare systems that include insurers and plans and maintains relationships with relevant associates and professional groups, including the American Association of Medical Colleges Government Relations Representatives.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Bachelor's degree in political science or related field preferred. Master's degree or Juris Doctorate (JD) strongly preferred.

• 7+ years of experience in state/federal government, legislative/government affairs, government finance or related field. 10+ years preferred.

• Working knowledge of healthcare public policy, health insurance, and hospital operations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to influence executive leadership through clear and informed presentations and discussions that interpret and summarize data.

• Demonstrated networking and partnership building skills.

• Ability to build key internal and external relationships, and foster collaboration to meet shared objectives.

BSWH Leadership Principles are critical to the success of our executive leaders and our organization. The executive team should model leadership principles in how they show up for their team (including the executive team) – and themselves – every day. The following principles define what we aspire to be and what we expect from each other.

1. Puts the Customer First - Leaders listen to their customers, using valuable insights to improve experiences and build loyalty

2. Empower your Team - Leaders remove barriers and ignite innovation

3. Hire and Develop the Best - Leaders hire exceptional and diverse talent, coach continuously and set a high bar for performance

4. Start with Why - Leaders start with the end in mind, articulating the why and painting a compelling picture of the future

5. Challenge your Biases - Leaders use data and diverse perspectives to guide decisions

6. Simplify - Leaders convert the complex to the simple

7. Take Action - Leaders move their teams quickly toward their goals, creating a safe environment to try new approaches and learn from them

8. Learn Continuously - Leaders love to learn and listen to understand, always looking for ways to apply new ideas

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate (JD) preferred

• 7 years of experience

As a health care system committed to improving the health of those we serve, we are asking our employees to model the same behaviours that we promote to our patients. As of January 1, 2012, Baylor Scott & White Health no longer hires individuals who use nicotine products. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.