Vice President, Government Relations Job Listing at NorthBay Healthcare in Fairfield, CA (Job ID 4493)

Description

At NorthBay Health, the Vice President of Government Relations serves as NorthBay's senior strategist and advocate on all legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters at the local, county, state, and federal levels. This executive leader is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances NorthBay's mission, protects and enhances reimbursement, ensures favorable regulatory conditions and strengthens NorthBay's reputation as an essential community asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for NorthBay's government relations, public affairs, and related community engagement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between NorthBay executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and elected officials, regulators, and staff at city, county, state (California Legislature, Governor's Office; Solano, Yolo and Napa Counties, CalPERS, DHCS, CDPH, HCAI, etc.), and federal levels (Congressional delegation, CMS, etc.).
• Build, maintain, and leverage strong, trust-based relationships with key policymakers, their staff, business and community leaders, and influential stakeholders across California.
• Lead the development and execution of the NorthBay's annual legislative and regulatory agenda; track, analyze, and influence priority bills and regulations that affect healthcare delivery, financing, workforce, and operations.
• Represent NorthBay in the California Hospital Association (CHA), other local, statewide and national trade associations (e.g., AHA, CHA subsidiaries, regional hospital councils), and relevant coalitions; maximize alignment and political capital through coordinated advocacy efforts.
• Direct NorthBay's political engagement strategy, including PAC administration (where applicable), candidate support, and grassroots/grass-tops mobilization.
• In collaboration with the CEO, CSO, C-Suite, and Board, design and implement an annual legislative education and outreach plan for elected officials, business roundtables, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and other key audiences that clearly communicates:
  • NorthBay's economic impact and community benefit,
  • Challenges to affordability and sustainability (Medi-Cal reimbursement, seismic mandates, workforce shortages, etc.), and
  • Specific policy or funding support needed to maintain access and quality.
• Proactively position NorthBay as a trusted advisor and partner to government on public health, health equity, disaster preparedness, and population health initiatives.
• Oversee internal education of the Board and leadership team on legislative and political developments; prepare timely briefings, testimony, position papers, and talking points.
• Collaborate with Community Benefit, Marketing/Communications, and Mission/Equity teams to align government relations with community affairs and brand-reputation strategies.
• Manage the Government Relations budget, external lobbyists/consultants, and any direct reports.

Perform other duties as assigned by the CSO, CEO or Board Chair.

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, law, business, or related field. Master's degree (MPA, MPH, MBA, JD) or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

2. Experience:  Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative advocacy; healthcare experience strongly preferred (hospital/system, association, or regulatory agency). Prior experience working directly for an elected official, state agency, or statewide healthcare association. Experience managing PACs and political giving strategies in California.

3. Skills:  Demonstrated success in building relationships with County government officials, California state legislators, the Governor's administration, and relevant agencies (DHCS, HCAI, CDPH, Covered California, etc.).  Deep knowledge of California healthcare policy landscape, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, 1115 waiver, seismic requirements (SB 1953/HB 252), workforce programs, and behavioral health reform.  Proven ability to translate complex clinical, financial, and operational issues into compelling policy arguments and advocacy materials. Exceptional political acumen, strategic thinking, and communication skills (written and verbal). Existing strong network within Sacramento and key regional political circles. This executive-level role demands a sophisticated, proactive leader who combines deep policy expertise with relationship-building finesse and can represent the health system with credibility and influence in California's complex political and regulatory environment.

4. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the True North values. The True North values are a set of value-based behaviors that are to be consistently demonstrated and role modeled by all employees that work at NorthBay Health. The True North values principles consist of Nurture/Care, Own It, Respect Relationships, Build Trust and Hardwire Excellence. 
5. Compensation:  $300k to $330k based on years of experience doing the duties of the role.  This role is bonus eligible.