Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE:
Responsible for the strategic development and implementation of Government Affairs activities to support, promote and protect business objectives and policies of the company. Coordinates, communicates and implements legislative strategies on behalf of CareFirst and its subsidiaries for all activities associated with government and legislative affairs. Communicates and reinforces CareFirst's opinions and positions within the governing bodies and within the BCBSA. Responsible for developing and fostering a positive perception among regulators and legislators of CareFirst's mission and values and promoting CareFirst as a public policy leader on healthcare issues in the state. Coordinates the implementation of laws and regulations throughout the corporation to ensure that CareFirst remains legally compliant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Lobby Maryland State Government officials and their staffs on behalf of CareFirst to ensure that the company's position is considered in legislative and regulatory decisions and that bills and regulations are either introduced or amended to be consistent with CareFirst policy and objectives. Enhance and solidify effective working relationships with State and Local legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, and various constituencies and community groups.
Establish and implement proactive strategies to promote CareFirst's legislative agenda. Coordinate and advance CareFirst's positions regarding state legislation and regulations, including testifying on and amending bills introduced in the legislative session, educating and working collaboratively with legislators, regulators and the Executive branch. Promote state and local outreach and creative problem solving during the legislative session and during the interim by responding proactively and collaboratively to potential legislative, regulatory and constituent threats and opportunities. Manage internal state and local government affairs teams, contract lobbyists on the state and local level, and building coalitions in order to pass, or amend legislation to be consistent with CareFirst's goals and mission or defeat legislation that poses a threat to CareFirst policy and operations.
Actively participate on legislative and regulatory workgroups, commissions, and task forces to promote CareFirst positions. Ensure that recommendations do not negatively impact CareFirst policy. Advise state leaders on potential positive and negative impacts on various constituencies as they deliberate healthcare issues affecting the state. Identify potential issues raised by interested parties during the interim and proactively work to resolve so that the introduction of legislation is unnecessary. Work internally with various departments to ensure that proposed corporate policy will not engender opposition among core constituencies.
Actively participate in the strategic planning, thinking and development of healthcare policy in the company and ensure that proposed legislation and regulation supports this policy. Track, monitor, and communicate legislative proposals to senior management. Consult with various divisions throughout the company to determine each legislative and regulatory proposal's potential impact on (1) current business practice, (2) operational costs and efficiencies and (3) future strategic direction of the company. Ensures that CareFirst remains legally compliant by coordinating the implementation of new laws and regulations.
Oversees the strategic and the day-to-day activities of the Department, including directing, coaching, and guiding associates to implement departmental, divisional, and organizational mission/goals. Recruits, retains and develops a high performing team. Evaluates performance of each team member, generates development plans and sets goals within the context of the corporate policies and procedures. Develops annual goals, and prepares, monitors, and analyzes variances of departmental budgets to control and appropriately allocate resources.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position manages people.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or related field.

Experience: 12 years of related experience and at least 5 years of increasingly responsible management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct lobbying experience before Maryland General Assembly is preferred.
- Advanced degree preferred, but not necessary.
- State or local government experience and strong relationships with key government officials in markets served by CareFirst.
- Knowledge of the healthcare industry.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Must possess strong customer service orientation, superior oral and written communication skills, and outstanding managerial and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and persuade others.
- Requires the ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships while enhancing the company's image and legislative positions.
- Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence.
- Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.
  Salary Range: $238,240 - $357,360
  Salary Range Disclaimer
  
  The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilites of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).
  Department
  
  Government Affairs
  Equal Employment Opportunity
  
  CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment 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.
  Where To Apply
  
  Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers
  Federal Disc/Physical Demand
  
  Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.
  Sponsorship in US
  
  Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship
  #LI-KL1