Summary:

The Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs works in collaboration with executive and regional leadership, and various boards to develop guidelines and plans for system-wide advocacy and government affairs that support the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic plans of CHRISTUS Health. The Vice President organizes CHRISTUS advocacy and public policy activities and maintains relationships with key stakeholders with whom CHRISTUS Health collaborates. The Vice President monitors and facilitates analysis of key public policy issues that may affect the CHRISTUS Health ministry, working with CHRISTUS leaders and boards to develop system-level or locally-specific policy positions and actions to favorably influence the sick, poor and vulnerable, in addition to the Catholic health ministry, the communities that CHRISTUS Health serves, and society as a whole.

The Vice President also provides leadership support and guidance to the CHRISTUS Health Advocacy Council and maintains relationships and influence with key health policy makers in Washington, D.C., and in states served by CHRISTUS Health, as well as in international markets.

The Vice President develops the capabilities within CHRISTUS Health to identify and analyze public policies, programs and trends, identifying operational effects and providing recommendations for response or action by local and system level leadership. The Vice Presient manages CHRISTUS' membership and participation in all trade Associations, including ensuring adequate CHRISTUS representation in such committees, boards, etc., and further advises CHRISTUS Health senior leadership on governmental issues, relationships and opportunities.

Education/Skills:

• Master's degree in Health Care Administration, Public Administration, or other advanced degree in a pertinent field required.
• Law degree or experience in a health care policy or regulatory agency preferred.
• Strong understanding of health care policy, regulations and government reimbursement issues and processes.
• Broad knowledge of administration, including significant senior management experience highly desirable.
• Experience and knowledge of governmental and legislative processes and governmental relations is necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, conflict resolution skills, experience in developing and motivating coalitions.Excellent public presentation skills.
• Possesses ability to judge and prioritize policy issues and implications for CHRISTUS Health.
• Ability to work with all levels of leaders and governance with professionalism and ease; ability to handle conflict; excellent negotiation skills.
• The incumbent must be committed to the Mission, Vision, Values and Goals of CHRISTUS Health.

Experience:

• Minimum five to seven (5-7) years' experience in a managerial role.
• Prior experience and skillful in negotiations and relationship building.
• Legislative and/or Federal or State government and/or regulatory work experience.