Director of Community Impact and Advocacy - Executive Office - University Health (5 days per week, 8:00a-4:30p, Mon-Fri)

Director of Community Impact & Advocacy

Lead the conversations that shape the future of healthcare. We are seeking a visionary, mission-driven leader to advance our organization's voice in public policy, government relations, and community partnerships. As the region's leading safety-net health system, we are committed to ensuring every member of our community has access to exceptional careregardless of their ability to pay.

The Director of Community Impact & Advocacy is a highly visible leadership role responsible for strengthening relationships with policymakers, community leaders, healthcare organizations, and advocacy partners to advance health equity, influence public policy, and improve access to care. This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and plays a pivotal role in aligning community priorities with the organization's strategic vision.

Role Overview

The Director of Community Impact & Advocacy develops and executes strategies that position the organization as a leading voice in healthcare policy and community health improvement. Working collaboratively across the health system and throughout the community, this leader builds partnerships, shapes legislative priorities, and champions initiatives that improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

This role is instrumental in advancing policies that support safety-net healthcare, Medicaid sustainability, behavioral health, maternal health, 340B, reimbursement equity, and innovative approaches to expanding access to quality care.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations, public policy, and community engagement strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, healthcare associations, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization in legislative, regulatory, and public policy discussions affecting healthcare delivery and reimbursement.
• Monitor emerging healthcare legislation, regulations, and public policy trends while providing strategic guidance to executive leadership.
• Lead advocacy efforts related to Medicaid, uncompensated care, behavioral health, maternal health, 340B, reimbursement equity, and healthcare access.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, educational institutions, and public agencies to improve community health outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaborations that address social drivers of health and reduce health disparities.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization at community meetings, legislative events, and professional organizations.
• Develop advocacy initiatives that strengthen the organization's visibility, influence, and community impact.
• Ensure advocacy and engagement strategies support the organization's mission, vision, values, and long-term strategic objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Political Science, Healthcare Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 57 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, community engagement, healthcare administration, or external affairs.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofit organizations, or public-sector partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare policy, Medicaid financing, public health systems, and safety-net healthcare.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success building consensus among diverse stakeholders and effectively navigating complex political and regulatory environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Law (JD), or a related discipline.
• Experience within a safety-net hospital, academic medical center, public hospital authority, or government healthcare system.
• Knowledge of Missouri healthcare policy, Medicaid supplemental payment programs, DSH/UPL financing, and 340B program policy.
• Experience leading legislative advocacy efforts, coalition building, and public-private partnerships.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic vision and systems thinking
• Political and legislative acumen
• Executive presence and influence
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement
• Public policy analysis and advocacy
• Coalition building and strategic partnership development
• Collaborative leadership across diverse constituencies
• Commitment to health equity and community impact
• Strong business judgment and organizational awareness

Why Join Us?

This is more than a government relations roleit's an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare for the communities we serve. As a leader within our organization, you'll help influence policies, strengthen partnerships, and champion initiatives that expand access to care, advance health equity, and improve the lives of thousands of patients and families.

If you're passionate about advocacy, collaborative leadership, and creating meaningful change, we invite you to join us in building healthier communities through strategic partnerships and purposeful action.