Director, State Government Relations

Director Of State Government Relations

The Director of State Government Relations is responsible for shaping and executing the System's state legislative and regulatory strategy. This role ensures that public policy supports the organization's mission to deliver integrated and accessible healthcare. The Director leads high-level engagement with policymakers, oversees external advocacy partnerships, and aligns internal stakeholders around strategic policy goals. This position will be based within Missouri, and the Director will have responsibility for the organization's government relations agenda within the state of Missouri as well as support state legislative efforts in the other states of the System (approximately 60% time spent on in-state efforts and up to 40% spent on support priorities in other states). Most travel will be within Missouri; however, some out-of-state travel will be required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-state government affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Manage the policy and legislative agenda and activities for the System and affiliated companies within the state of Missouri.
• 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 in state capitals and public forums.
• 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.
• Assists in drafting comments for state and/or federal regulatory RFIs.
• Aids in identifying and developing content for Centerstone's communication platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership skills are primary; familiarity with federal/state/local government structure and legislative and political process required.
• Experience with grassroots advocacy and lobbying required.
• 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, completing them on-time and on-budget.
• Proactive, independent self-starter with ability to multi-task and effectively juggle competing priorities.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in policy related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 7 or more years of experience in the policy/advocacy field, preferably within the healthcare industry. However, other types of government relations/policy/advocacy experience will be considered.

Supervisory Requirements:

• Communicate the strategic direction of the organization and encourage participation by all employees.
• Provide leadership and guidance to all aspects of the department.
• Take an active role in monitoring the identification, development, and execution of strategic objectives.
• Involve, as appropriate, all employees to achieve their goals.
• Effectively communicate to employees about any changes and newsworthy events within the department or company.
• Manage difficult employee situations directly, using appropriate discretion and Human Resource advice to show respect for the individual.
• Champion change and effectively manage the implementation of innovative ideas.
• Reinforce team approach throughout functions; support and solicit input from team members at all levels within the company.

Employment Requirements:

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect, and fingerprint check.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
• All training requirements including Relias at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver's license, acceptable driving record and current auto insurance.

Physical Requirements:

• ADA Consideration - Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (exists up the 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (exists 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Repetitive movements of hands, fingers, and arms for typing and/or writing during work shift.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position Perks & Benefits:

• Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
• Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
• Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
• Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
• Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

• A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
• As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
• We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
• Brightli is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.