Government Relations Director presso Delta Dental of Iowa

Description

Come Smile with Us!

Are you passionate about shaping policy and driving meaningful change in health care and insurance? Delta Dental of Iowa invites candidates for a strategic Government Relations Director to be our voice at the Capitol and beyond. In this high-impact role, you will build and maintain relationships with members of the Iowa Legislature, executive branch (including the Iowa Insurance Division, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and Iowa Dental Board) and other key stakeholders to effectively represent Delta Dental of Iowa. As our registered lobbyist, you will lead and manage policy development, analyze legislation, administrative rules and regulations, and execute a proactive government relations strategy to support the company's regulatory and legislative objectives. You will also manage the Delta Dental of Iowa Political Action Committee, coordinate with our contract lobbyist, and represent the company on external boards and associations. This role partners closely with the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation to ensure coordination with the company's philanthropic initiatives.

Learn why Megan enjoys working on the Public Affairs team.

Why Delta Dental of Iowa?

For your smile. For your health. For your community.

At Delta Dental of Iowa, we’re more than just a dental and vision insurance company. Improving health and wellness is at the center of everything we do. As a not-for-profit, we aim to build stronger communities by investing in actions that promote and improve health. Delta Dental of Iowa invests 40% of our dollars directly back into the communities we serve.

Come see why we are passionate about "Bringing Smiles" to our customers. Our team enjoys competitive pay and benefits, an awesome "One Team" approach, and a company culture that fosters "Exceptional Quality Service" and "Leadership at All Levels." Together, we can make a difference – not only in Iowa but across the country.

Essential Functions and Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead and manage policy development, execute and maintain a government relations plan to support the company’s regulatory and legislative objectives.
• Monitor and stay abreast of regulatory and legislative issues (primarily state) with potential company impact.
• Meet with legislators and government officials to emphasize and educate on supposed weaknesses or merits of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, amendments, or introduction of legislation more favorable to DDIA's interests.
• Oversee the work of the Policy Analyst who provides research and analysis on legislation, administrative rules and regulations.
• Lead the coordination of monitoring and tracking of federal and state legislation as well as regulations and rulemaking with direct or potential impact on DDIA.
• Coordinate and review legislation and regulations with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure all risks are identified and mitigation strategies are evaluated for potential impacts on DDIA and its partners. Collaborate with both the Government Programs and Compliance teams throughout the year to facilitate the timely and accurate exchange of information and resources, ensuring that all necessary meetings, communication and additional external information are obtained as required.
• Actively outreach and develop relationships/collaborative efforts to individuals and groups that have similar interests on legislative and regulatory issues.
• Respond to requests for information by legislators and other key stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Plan and coordinate meetings between DDIA leaders and elected officials and executive staff to discuss legislative issues and proposals.
• Represent or assist in determining representation for DDIA at various public, governmental and related meetings. This would include groups like the Iowa Federation of Insurers, Iowa Insurance Division, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the Iowa Dental Board. 
• Develop/maintain effective working relationships with legislative leadership and key members of the executive branch.
• Attend all necessary committee hearings, rules meetings, legislative functions and other events as deemed necessary.
• Register as a lobbyist with the general assembly and executive branch and submit reports of regulated forms and expenditures in a timely manner.
• Monitor and collaborate with Delta Dental of Iowa staff and related consultants on various aspects of health care issues and related legislation/regulation (federal and state) that impacts dental and vision benefit plans and related business interests. 
• Work closely with Delta Dental of Iowa staff and professional, governmental, and philanthropic organizations to identify, develop, document and implement opportunities for the company to collaborate to increase accessible, quality dental and vision services in public health and entitlement programs.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required

1. A 4-year degree in business, political science, or equivalent.
2. Minimum 8 years’ experience with government or legislative/political environment. 
3. At least three years of experience in a leadership role overseeing a department, large project, or team.
4. Strong oral and written communication skills for interaction with DDIA staff and entities outside of DDIA.
5. Established rapport with government representatives (preferably in Insurance, Public Health and/or Human Services) as well as elected/appointed officials.
6. Established rapport with Iowa as well as Greater Des Moines community leaders, government representatives, management, employees, and outside professionals.
7. Time management skills and flexibility to perform well under time pressure and with shifting priorities.
8. Strong verbal and written communications, project management, and presentation skills. 
9. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), project and database management.
10. Proficient in collaboration, coalition building, and project management skills.
11. Ability to travel up to 50% of the time is required.
12. Must have a car, related insurance and valid unencumbered driver’s license.

Preferred

1. An advanced degree in public administration, business or law.
2. Experience within the healthcare/insurance environment.
3. Professional experience in effectively working with government entities, regulatory agencies and/or account management.