Federal Relations Senior Program Manager

This role executes strategies that advance BCBSA's legislative and regulatory objectives, advocating for BCBSA's policy priorities. It involves developing and maintaining productive relationships with Members of Congress and their staff, Administration staff, and key stakeholders, representing BCBSA at both official and political events. This position collaborates across the Association, and with the Plans to inform strategies for issues impacting Plan business while staying abreast of the range of health policy issues that directly impact the insurance industry. Additionally, it involves collaborating with Federal Affairs to execute strategies and action plans for the use of Plan resources at the federal level.

• Develop, foster, and strengthen relationships with key Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, Caucuses and Congressional staff. Engage in federal lobbying activities with Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, Congressional staff, the White House, federal agencies and other health-related organizations to influence legislative and regulatory developments on priority issues. Positively represent BCBSA brand to Hill staff and Members of Congress through official and political engagements.
• Monitor congressional activity for impacts to Plan business and proactively identify areas of opportunity for BCBSA engagement with Congress and the Administration on federal issues. Work collaboratively to execute legislative/lobbying strategies on key issues with federal lobbyists, state lobbyists, public affairs, political staff and policy and communications staff.
• Educate and inform Association and Plan staff on congressional process, legislation, political issues that impact Plan business through written and oral presentations. Provide strategic political insight on policy priorities identified by the Association. Engage in interdepartmental groups to develop legislative positions. Support and participate in coalitions, leverage consulting resources, and drive execution of strategies on priority issues. Interact and forge relationships with plan staff and work collaboratively to build BCBSA positions. Maintain a thorough and comprehensive understanding of Plan business interests/practices, Blue system policy goals, and assess the impact of legislation.
• Demonstrate independent thinking and creative action in working closely with Political Affairs staff to ensure effective use of BluePAC and corporate funds in developing relationships with Members of Congress who are critical to BCBSA’s legislative and regulatory agenda. Continually strive to develop and implement new approaches to relationship building.

The posting range for this position is:
$147,958.00-$212,824.33

Qualifications:

Education

• Required Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Government Relations, Public Administration, Public Policy, law, business or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Preferred Master's Degree Health Policy, MBA, Legislative Affairs, Political Management

Experience

• Required 7+ Years experience working in Congress, executive Branch or government affairs

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the health care industry and the Federal legislative and regulatory environment, including health care insurance issues and legislative policy developments.
• Ability to synthesize complex problems and public policy issues, identifying business implications and advocating for recommended outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in groups and be a team player, with knowledge of congressional processes and procedures.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to influence decision/policy makers, with the ability to set and meet objectives in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and persuade others, demonstrating strong judgment, decision-making skills, and political acumen.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, with project management, analytical, planning, and presentation abilities, and the ability to build and sustain effective relationships.

Extra Posting Information:

• Experience working in Congress, Executive Branch or government affairs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint.
• Experience communicating policy views to Congressional staff and knowledge of the Congressional environment is essential, as well as knowledge of the professional standards for lobbyists.
• Must have a strong commitment and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment is paramount.

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