VP - Government Relations

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

The Vice President (VP) of Government Relations provides vision and leadership for Government Relations and Public Policy establishing strategic direction, guiding advocacy efforts, and ensuring proactive engagement on critical legislative and regulatory matters. In close partnership with the CEO, the VP helps establish organizational priorities, drives informed and timely decision-making, and leads the development and execution of the system's external affairs and advocacy strategy. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP advances the strategic priorities of the CEO by shaping policy positions, fostering relationships with governmental, civic and community stakeholders while influencing legislative and regulatory outcomes that support the organization's mission and long-term objectives. The role champions a culture of integrity, collaboration, and accountability, while consistently modeling behaviors aligned with MLH's Mission, Vision, and Values.

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview The Vice President (VP) of Government Relations provides vision and leadership for Government Relations and Public Policy establishing strategic direction, guiding advocacy efforts, and ensuring proactive engagement on critical legislative and regulatory matters. In close partnership with the CEO, the VP helps establish organizational priorities, drives informed and timely decision-making, and leads the development and execution of the system's external affairs and advocacy strategy. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP advances the strategic priorities of the CEO by shaping policy positions, fostering relationships with governmental, civic and community stakeholders while influencing legislative and regulatory outcomes that support the organization's mission and long-term objectives. The role champions a culture of integrity, collaboration, and accountability, while consistently modeling behaviors aligned with MLH's Mission, Vision, and Values.

What you will do

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations policy and advocacy strategy that advances organizational priorities and supports the strategic objectives established by the CEO.
• Monitor, assess, and proactively respond to emerging federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic guidance on risks, opportunities, and potential organizational impacts.
• Lead government relations efforts and establish trusted relationships with elected officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and key community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization before governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, industry groups, and external forums to advance policy priorities and strengthen organizational influence.
• Direct legislative and regulatory advocacy initiatives, including the development of policy positions, strategic messaging, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Collaborate with operational, clinical, legal, compliance, communications, and executive leaders to ensure alignment between policy objectives and organizational strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership for Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, establishing departmental goals, priorities, performance measures, and resource allocation strategies.
• Coordinates external affairs strategies designed to strengthen organization influences and public reputation.
• Analyze emerging healthcare trends that may impact healthcare operations and strategic initiatives.
• Provide strategic direction and recommendations regarding public policy opportunities and risks.
• Promotes initiatives that support healthcare access, quality, affordability and community well-being.

Education Qualifications

• Required - Bachelor's Degree Business Administration/Management
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Healthcare Administration
• Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Public Policy
• Preferred - Master's Degree

Experience Qualifications

• Required - Progressive executive experience in government relations 10+ years
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Skills and Abilities

• Proven executive leadership experience in a large and complex hospital system.
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of healthcare policy, reimbursement structures, regulatory compliance, and public sector decision-making.
• Knowledge of government relations, advocacy strategies, political environments, and public affairs best practices.
• Understanding of healthcare industry trends, health system operations, and policy issues affecting patients, providers, payers, and communities.
• Demonstrates strategic insight with a proven track record in developing and implementing business strategies
• Mission-oriented and understands and supports the company’s purpose.
• Experience resolving issues through innovative problem solving and solution development.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; success at cultivating strong relationships with executives, physicians, leaders, team members across the organization, and with government officials and policymakers.
• Effective political acumen and judgment in navigating complex and sensitive issues.
• Skilled at influencing a variety of people; can structure and lead business strategies and initiatives to achieve results.
• In-depth knowledge of and ability to analyze public policy, laws and regulations affecting healthcare/hospitals.
• Strong relationships with local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory policy makers and staff.

Supervision Provided by this Position

• Provides executive consultation to senior leaders as directed by the CEO.
• Directly manages the Director/Public Policy and support staff as assigned.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.