VP, Local Public Policy & Government Relations
Harris Health System is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston.
Job Summary
The Vice President of Local Public Policy & Government Relations leads Harris Health's strategic engagement with local government entities, including Harris County, the City of Houston, and regional public sector partners, to advance public health policy and legislative priorities. This role cultivates influential relationships, monitors regulatory developments, and crafts impactful communications to shape policy outcomes. Serving as a key advisor and representative, the VP ensures alignment between Harris Health's mission and the evolving legislative landscape, while driving advocacy efforts that support the organizations operations, personnel, and community impact.
Minimum Qualifications
Degrees:
Juris Doctor or Doctorate in Public Health, Public Administration/Public Policy
or equivalent (Preferred)
Master's degree in government/political science, Business, Journalism, or related field preferred at time of hire; if not held, must obtain within 3 years of hire date.
Work Experience:
Five (5) Years Work Experience of substantive legislative or public policy experience with local government; including county, municipal, or regional authorities; emphasis on county/municipal relations preferred. Substantive working knowledge of local legislative and regulatory processes. Superior interpersonal, written and presentation skills successfully applied in public policy advocacy and negotiation. Ability to engender trust and influence outcomes. Ability to build productive relationships among numerous and diverse organizations. Ability to conduct legal research and evaluate legislative history to propose legislative and regulatory strategies. Ability to work collaboratively with various Harris Health departments including Compliance and Legal to develop and implement strategies and to proactively respond to new or changed legislation and regulations. Ability to manage multiple projects in an everchanging legislative and regulatory environment.
Management Experience:
Five (5) Years of Management Experience
Communication Skills:
Above Average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact)
Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
Writing/Correspondence
Writing/Reports
Job Attributes
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Analytical Abilities
Medical Terminology Knowledge
Research Knowledge and Abilities
Statistical Knowledge and Abilities
Work Schedule:
Flexible
Holidays
On-Call
Overtime
Travel
Weekends
Other Requirements:
Personal Computer