Senior Director, Government Relations - CA

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities

The Senior Director, Regional Government Relations, will support the SVP of External Affairs at InnovAge in leading the government relations strategy and external communication efforts to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels. Based in Sacramento, this individual will lead all government relations efforts in the State of California and potentially additional states.  This individual will develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy aimed at strengthening relationships with key policymakers, advancing public policy objectives, and positioning InnovAge as a thought leader in senior care. The Senior Director will also serve as the primary liaison between InnovAge and external stakeholders, including governmental agencies, industry associations, advocacy groups, and community leaders.

Responsibilities

• Government Relations Strategy: Assist the SVP of External Affairs in the development and execution of InnovAge’s government relations strategy at the federal, state, and local levels to promote the interests of the organization, particularly in the PACE program.  Lead all government affairs efforts in the State of California and potentially other states.  
• Advocacy: Engage with legislators, regulators, and key stakeholders to advocate for policies that support InnovAge’s strategic objectives and the PACE model of care. Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies that could impact the organization.
• External Affairs: Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, industry groups, and advocacy organizations. Coordinate strategic outreach efforts and manage key external events and public engagements.
• Policy Analysis & Compliance: Work closely with legal, compliance, and operations teams to analyze and interpret complex regulations affecting the PACE program. Ensure that all lobbying activities and external communications are in line with state and federal regulations.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement crisis communication plans in response to legislative, regulatory, or reputational challenges. Collaborate with internal teams to respond effectively to external inquiries and issues.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Partner with the SVP of External Affairs & Regulatory Affairs and the executive leadership team to align government relations activities with InnovAge’s broader business objectives. Work cross-functionally with operations, legal, marketing, and clinical teams to ensure cohesive external messaging and positioning.
• Reporting & Metrics: Monitor the impact of government relations activities, and regularly report progress and outcomes to the executive team. Provide analysis on key legislative and regulatory trends affecting the business.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Percent of time Spent – 30%

• Ability to travel as needed to attend meetings, conferences, and engage with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Health Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree or JD preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or advocacy, preferably within the healthcare sector.
• Skills:
  1. Proven ability to initiate, develop and execute government relations and external affairs strategies.
  2. Strong understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
  3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage external stakeholders.
  4. Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships with public officials, community leaders, and industry organizations.
  5. Experience in public policy analysis and the ability to synthesize legislative and regulatory issues for internal stakeholders.
  6. Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work across functional areas.
• Existing relationships with California federal and state policymakers, particularly those focused on senior healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• The position is remote and will not work from a physical corporate office.