Director, External Affairs

Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Director, External Affairs for HMH is responsible for assisting the SVP, Chief of External Affairs in the development and management of External Affairs strategies. The Office of External Affairs is charged with fostering relationships with key federal, state and local government officials, interest groups, trade and business associations and key strategic partners. The Director position is a key role within the department and is charged with building and maintaining relationships with government officials at the local, state and federal levels as well as organizations and entities whose interests are similar or whose functions affect HMH. The Director will also support ongoing initiatives within the External Affairs department, including but not limited to the Environmental Social and Governance work and the network's development and launch of an FQHC strategy.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Director, External Affairs at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Reports to the SVP, Chief of External Affairs and is responsible for staying abreast of all local, state and federal issues affecting HMH
• Serves as a strong deputy to the SVP, External Affairs, driving and managing all aspects of the organization's external affairs strategies to support the health system's goals, and enhance and promote the company's reputation and strategic relationships.
• In close coordination with the SVP, Chief External Affairs Officer, creates and implements a multi-year external affairs strategic plan with clear goals, objectives, and measurable deliverables.
• Builds an executive thought leadership program, identifying and establishing a voice for each leader, and arranging visibility opportunities at key conferences, events and external platforms.
• Supports the development and implementation of an external affairs communications strategy, designed specifically for key strategic stakeholders, thought leaders, policymakers and advocates
• Builds and maintains strong relationships throughout HMH's expansive service area as well as in Washington, DC and Trenton with government officials (both appointed and elected) and staff, key thought leaders and strategic partners to maintain their awareness of HMH's priorities.
• Enhances and maintains strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations, in partnership with the Government Affairs team.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Leads the enhancement and implementation of the health network's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and action plans, including coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure integration of ESG into all aspects of the health network's operations, refining and tracking key performance indicators for ESG initiatives and prepares regular ESG reports for internal and external audiences.
• Assists with the direction and implementation of other External Affairs strategic priorities and initiatives that focus on strategic network partnerships, including federally qualified health systems and other community-based organizational partnerships.
• In partnership with the SVP, External Affairs and the Government Affairs team, support government affairs and advocacy efforts, including, as necessary, creating and directing federal advocacy efforts.
• Supports cross-functional public funding efforts, including proactive agency outreach and advocacy opportunities and internal post-award management.
• Works closely with the senior leadership team to ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Provides general direction and mentorship to other External Affairs team members.
• Manage external consultants, as necessary.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein as assigned by the SVP, Chief of Affairs.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years in a field related to External Affairs. Background in New Jersey or Federal Government relations preferred.
• Background in health care, community health and business initiatives, for example (but not all inclusive) Environmental, Social and Governance and Federally Qualified Health Centers preferred.
• Strong communications skills.
• Strong background in managing complex projects.
• Strong research skills.
• Ability to create and establish projects within the broad guidelines of the HMH external affairs agenda.
• Ability to meet priorities and strict timelines of projects as self-determined or as needed.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Leadership experience, as the position may manage staff based on expansion of team.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!