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
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
Education Details: Government Affairs, Business, Economics, or related field
Experience: 5 years related experience in government relations or public policy
In Lieu of Education
In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.
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) Proficiency
Demonstrated ability to establish effective, collaborative relationships. Advanced
Knowledge of healthcare, health insurance and managed care issues. Proficient
Knowledge of local laws, regulation, reporting requirements, and political processes. Advanced
Knowledge of government affairs, especially at the state and local levels. Advanced
Ability to represent executive leadership in various state and local venues and with key decision-makers. Advanced
Ability to build consensus and coalitions. Advanced
Creativity, flexibility and demonstrated organizational skills. Advanced
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. Advanced
Additional Skills and Abilities
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. 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.
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: 2/1/2021
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
