External Affairs Manager

Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE
The External Affairs Manager is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with government officials in their respective jurisdiction(s); anticipating needs and  resolving emergent issues in an effective and timely manner.  Responsible for planning and executing broad communications and targeted outreach activities to municipal and county officials.  Functions as primary contact for elected officials, civic and business organizations and community leaders to resolve issues, optimize the corporate image and communicate corporate messages. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal, county and state elected officials and government department heads, councils of government, economic development organizations, civic and business leaders, opinion leaders, and various constituencies and community groups. Represent the Company at municipal council meetings and other official forums. Communicate and reinforce CareFirst’s opinions and positions within the local community.

• Provide input to leadership team and divisions to shape the Company’s strategic direction. Collaborate with Sales and Health Services to develop and execute community outreach and communications plans pertaining to high-impact projects and initiatives. Support project completion by actively engaging in outreach and garnering support from external stakeholders and decision makers.

• Actively participate in and represent CareFirst in conversations regarding legislative economic and business issues to demonstrate the Company’s commitment to the Community and gain increased awareness of constituent concerns, attitudes and needs as they relate to the Company. Actively represent CareFirst, participating in efforts and groups at meetings, events, and conferences that are relevant to our company focus and mission.

• Identify, manage and facilitate resolution of issues. Negotiate resolution to conflicts. Develop and maintain a network of support resources with internal partners to resolve elected officials’ needs in an effective and timely manner.

• Interface with the Sales team to achieve quality service, related to municipal and county government accounts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must reside in Western MD counties such as: (Washington, Alleghany and Garrett)

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree Government Affairs, Business, Economics, or related field OR in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.

Experience: 5 years related experience in government relations or public policy.

Preferred Qualifications
MBA, JD, or other advanced degree related to healthcare, public policy or other technical field with demonstrated business acumen.
Knowledge of the healthcare industry, as well as knowledge of CareFirst’s history and operations preferred.
Deep and existing relationships with local and state elected officials and key stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Demonstrated ability to establish effective, collaborative relationships.
• Knowledge of healthcare, health insurance and managed care issues.
• Knowledge of local laws, regulation, reporting requirements, and political processes.
• Knowledge of government affairs, especially at the state and local levels.
• Ability to represent executive leadership in various state and local venues and with key decision-makers.
• Ability to build consensus and coalitions.
• Creativity, flexibility and demonstrated organizational skills.
• Proven, effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively and confidently interact with a variety of CareFirst management, retained counsel, legislators and other elected/appointed officials, regulators, staff of trade associations and other key stakeholders.
• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities, deadlines, and workloads that can be variable for long periods of time. Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.
   

Department

Department: Government Affairs (MD

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer.  It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Hire Range Disclaimer

Actual salary will be based on relevant job experience and work history.

Where To Apply

Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers

Closing Date

Please apply before:

Federal Disc/Physical Demand

Note:  The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.  Occasional walking or standing is required.  The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects.  The associate must frequently talk and hear.  Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship