Director of State Government Relations

Position Summary

The Director of State Government Relations leads Centerstone's state legislative and regulatory strategy in support of the organization's mission to deliver care that changes lives. Serving as Centerstone's primary government relations leader in the state, the Director manages relationships with policymakers, contract lobbyists, advocacy organizations, and internal leaders to advance key policy priorities. This role is ideal for highly experienced government relations professional who understands the state's political, legislative, regulatory, and healthcare landscape and can translate complex policy developments into clear organizational strategies. The Director will also provide strategic legislative support to other states within the Centerstone system, representing up to 20% of the role's responsibilities. Candidates must live within a one-hour commute from the Indiana State Capitol. The position requires frequent travel to the State Capitol during the legislative session, occasional travel throughout the state, and periodic out-of-state travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive state government relations strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Manage the policy and legislative agenda and activities for key state markets.
• Serve as an advisor to market CEOs and executive teams on state legislative and regulatory matters, including risks and opportunities.
• Provide strategic policy updates and briefings to the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison to state government officials, associations, and other external stakeholders.
• Engage with elected officials and staff, state agencies and state associations to influence healthcare policy.
• Develop and implement tailored, state-specific government affairs strategies that reflect the unique political, regulatory, and healthcare landscapes.
• Oversee lobbying efforts and manage relationships with external consultants and advocacy partners.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging policy trends that impact healthcare delivery, behavioral health, substance use, and FQHC operations.
• Monitor, research, and analyze legislative and regulatory developments; assess their impact on organizational operations and communicate findings to relevant internal audiences.
• Represent the organization at the state capitol, including a strong in-person presence during the legislative session.
• Collaborate with regional and clinical leaders to align legislative strategies with local priorities and stakeholder interests.
• Represent the System in coalitions, workgroups, and public forums to advocate for policy positions that support the System's mission and goals.
• Leads in drafting comments for state and/or federal regulatory RFIs.
• Leads in identifying and developing content for Centerstone's communication platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of federal/state/local government structures, legislative, and political processes; including a robust understanding of the landscape as well as key decision makers within the state.
• Impeccable ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy among a wide variety of public and internal audiences.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies including business leaders, public officials, community representatives, consumers, and trade associations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and consensus building skills, ability to cultivate buy-in at all levels of the System.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Well-respected executive presence with strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to set priorities and manage projects autonomously, completing them on time and on budget.
• Proactive, independent self-starter with ability to multi-task and effectively juggle competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in policy related field. Master's degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of 10 years' government relations/state policy experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred; Experience within the healthcare industry preferred, however, other types of government relations/policy/advocacy experience will be considered.