State Government Relations Manager

Position Type: Exempt, Full-time position

Reporting to: Senior Director, Government Relations

Position Location: Washington D.C. with Hybrid Work Schedule, Requiring 3-Days of In-Office Presence      

Influence Progress: Lead State Advocacy Policy Initiatives for Better Healthcare

About Us:

At Families USA Foundation, we're more than just a workplace - we're a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities nationwide. Since 1981, we've championed high-quality, affordable healthcare and improved health for all, and have cultivated strong relationships with consumer leaders, advocates, and partner organizations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Position Overview:

Passionate about driving impactful change through state policy and advocacy initiatives for health equity and social justice? Join us as our Manager of State Government Relations in this newly created pivotal role. You will collaborate closely with our Government Relations leadership team to craft and implement proactive state and federal strategies that advance Families USA’s mission, with a focus on Medicaid improvement.

In this position, you will monitor, assess, and influence state policies in key health areas, including health coverage, health equity, affordability, patient protections, and enhancing health system experiences. The ideal candidate will be strongly committed to Families USA’s mission of achieving high-quality, affordable healthcare for all. They will bring experience in political strategy, health policy, and Medicaid expansion efforts – such as eligibility, enrollment and benefits, patient protections and plan oversight – as well as in initiatives to reduce costs and health disparities. Strong relationship-building skills with state officials, legislators, and health advocates are essential.

You will oversee vital projects, manage project budgets and staffing, and produce high-quality materials such as legislative testimony and issue briefs. Additionally, you will represent Families USA with integrity at coalition meetings, administrative sessions, and state legislatures, both in-person and in virtual settings. Your presentations at Families USA-run events, webinars, and partner meetings will further advance our mission and advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Government Relations’ team leadership, drive and manage the development and ongoing sharpening of Families USA’s overarching state relations strategy and the execution of related events and activities and ensure alignment and coordination with our federal relations strategy.
• Collaborate with the Senior Advisor on Medicaid Policy to develop and implement a cohesive strategy across state level project teams, with a primary focus on supporting Medicaid-related initiatives. This includes engaging directly with key staff in state legislatures, Governor’s offices, and agencies to advance Families USA’s priorities, on state Medicaid program budgets, waivers, and legislation, and its intersection with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
• Monitor, track, and analyze proposed legislation and state legislative and administrative actions related to the organization’s priority areas and state targets, in partnership with state health advocacy organizations. This includes mapping out relevant state legislative sessions, cycles, and processes; bill and regulatory tracking; and providing political analysis of state policy environments.
• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations and internal teams on policy and political strategy; respond to requests from state partners for education and advocacy support.
• Produce and support colleagues in the production of high-quality materials, including legislative testimony, letters to key officials, issue briefs, language for infographics, etc. to state policymakers to support the organization’s policy positions and advocacy goals.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in public policy, public health, government relations, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of state legislative or executive branch experience, or state policy and advocacy experience at a similar organization. Knowledge and understanding of the Medicaid program, the health care industry, relevant health equity issues, and social and economic justice more broadly. Candidates should demonstrate experience working in bipartisan settings, fostering consistent and productive collaboration across party lines, with preferred experience in southern and midwestern states. Additionally, they should possess the ability to lead and execute highly impactful projects, contribute to a collaborative team environment, and proactively advance ideas and priorities within a project-matrixed organizational structure. Experience and expertise in working with state Medicaid programs is highly desirable and will further enhance the candidate’s ability to drive impactful change at the state and federal level.

Benefits and Perks:

Our salary range for this role is $70K - $80K and will be commensurate with experience. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a hybrid work schedule, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, generous vacation time, and much more.

Why Join Us:

Joining our team means embracing a dynamic, empowering, and collaborative work environment where you'll have the opportunity to reach your full potential while contributing to a meaningful mission. We foster an atmosphere of respect and support, where every team member is valued for their unique contributions. We believe in equity, recognizing that our differences allow us to accomplish our most effective work. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do - we optimize our collective resources, skills, and experiences to carry out our mission and maximize our impact. We strive for excellence in everything we do, working tirelessly to increase our organizational impact and improve the lives of the people we serve. Accountability is paramount - we embrace practices that build trust, reduce stress, and enable us to work more effectively and efficiently. Transparency is key - we communicate clearly and proactively to gain insight into our priorities, make informed decisions, and encourage camaraderie.

Application Process:

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply online and include in your application: your cover letter, resume, and writing sample. This position will remain open until filled. Successful candidates will be contacted for first interviews.

Families USA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.