Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Health Administration, Communications, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience in developing and executing government affairs strategies across various issues and jurisdictions.
Ability to build bipartisan relationships and advise senior leaders effectively.
Strong skills in strategic thinking, political analysis, and problem-solving.
Willingness to travel regularly across operating markets and key locations.
Responsibilities
Advise on policy, regulatory, and executive matters.
Engage with government and stakeholders to advance organizational goals.
Collaborate with Regional Affiliates for growth and partnerships.
Ensure governance, performance, and compliance across initiatives.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with healthcare advocacy support.
Retirement plan options including pre-tax and Roth contributions.
DailyPay for immediate access to earned wages.
Well-being resources through the Goga platform.
Backup childcare, elder care, and household services via Care.com.
Confidential counseling and legal services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships for professional development.
Employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
Free online personal development classes through Pryor Online Learning.
Full Job Description
Position Details
The Executive Director, Government Affairs leads Merakey USA's enterprise-wide government affairs, public policy, and advocacy strategy. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the role advances enterprise priorities; protects and strengthens public funding and reimbursement; anticipates legislative and regulatory risk; and positions Merakey to influence policy, regulatory, and funding environments across its multi-state footprint. The Executive Director serves as a senior advisor to executive and Regional Affiliate leadership and builds trusted, bipartisan relationships with policymakers, regulators, public agencies, associations, coalitions, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
Policy, Regulatory and Executive Advisory.
Government and Stakeholder Engagement.
Regional Affiliate, Growth and Enterprise Partnership.
Governance, Performance and Compliance.
Benefits
Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.
Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits
Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Master's degree required.
Preferred fields of study include Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Health Administration, Communications, Law, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing government affairs strategies across multiple issues and jurisdictions, with knowledge of legislative, regulatory, budgetary, reimbursement, and administrative processes.
Proven ability to build bipartisan relationships, advise senior leaders, influence cross-functional teams, and communicate complex policy issues to diverse stakeholders.
Strong strategic, political, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with flexibility to travel regularly across operating markets, Washington, D.C., state capitals, and other locations as needed.
About Merakey
Merakey is a leading provider of healthcare and human services in the USA. The company offers a wide range of services, including behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, education, and autism services. Merakey has a team of experienced professionals who provide high-quality care to individuals and families. The company has offices in more than 10 states in the USA.
