POSITION PURPOSE

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, this highly visible executive leadership role serves as the primary advocacy and government relations strategist for Trinity Health's Iowa Region. The Vice President will work directly with regional executives, policymakers, regulators, and healthcare industry leaders to shape public policy and advance initiatives that strengthen healthcare access and improve community health outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to influence healthcare legislation and reimbursement strategy while serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

The Vice President Advocacy & Government Relations will develop, implement, manage, adjust, and report on the advocacy plan. Plan will include state and federal priorities for legislative and regulatory advocacy, Regional Health Ministry leader engagement and lobbyist coordination. Works closely with RHM CEO, ministry Presidents, regional leadership team, board members, and Trinity Health System Office to develop regulatory and legislative positions, advance policy priorities, build effective relationships, collaborate with like-minded groups, engage in education, inspire engagement and facilitate effective grassroots advocacy. Works with RHM and Trinity Health leaders to develop and implement government reimbursement strategies. Becomes a trusted policy resource for federal and state leaders. Works with RHM CEO and regional leadership team to build the regional Trinity Health brand with policymakers and other influencers. Identifies and presents best practices with Trinity Health System Office and Advocacy Leaders in other Trinity Health regions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Knows, understands, incorporates and demonstrates the mission, vision and values of Trinity Health in behaviors, practices and decisions.

Works with RHM CEO, regional leaders, System Office Advocacy, board members, and Advocacy Liaisons to develop a biennial, regional advocacy strategic plan. The strategy will include efforts to increase the overall visibility and influence of Trinity Health as well as tactics for advancing legislative and regulatory priorities at local, state and federal level. 

Accountable for driving public policy change that will further RHM's priority strategic aims.

Engages in regional strategy development as a member of RHM leadership team.

Routinely reports progress to RHM CEO, board members, regional leaders and Trinity Health System Office Advocacy.

Develops and maintains relationships with state and federal legislators and executive branch leaders and supports ministry leaders with their relationships.

Serves as a state-level lobbyist for Trinity Health in state.

Manages professional multi-client lobby firm(s) to accomplish advocacy goals.

Accountable for analysis of select state legislative and regulatory proposals for their likely impact on Trinity Health and recommends positions to be taken based on the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic directions.

Develops engagement plans and customized resources for RHM CEO, board members, and other regional leaders.

Accountable for coalition building, and leading collaborations.

Accountable for annual regional ministry Advocacy Day.

Accountable for routine convening of, and learning opportunities for, ministry Advocacy Liaisons.

Accountable for tracking and monitoring relevant health policy and regulatory issues.

Provides thought leadership to state hospital associations and other relevant associations, and coordinates engagement strategies including participation in their annual lobby days.

Accountable for digital advocacy participation goals and collaborates with Trinity Health System Office and RHM Marketing / Communications to achieve.

Works collaboratively with Trinity Health System Office and Regional Advocacy Leaders in other Trinity Health states to identify, share and further best practices.

A2 reporting relationship to RHM CEO.

Develops and manages annual advocacy budget, allocates and redirects resources based on key strategies.

Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

As a Trinity Health Executive, the incumbent is expected to demonstrate leadership traits which support our Mission Statement and Core Values as identified below:

Mission Statement:  We, Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.

Core Values:

• Reverence:  We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person.

• Commitment to Those who are Poor:  We stand with and serve those who are poor, especially those most vulnerable.

• Justice:  We foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of Earth.

• Stewardship:  We honor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human, financial and natural resources entrusted to our care.

• Integrity: We are faithful to those we say we are.

• Safety: We embrace a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.

Promise Statement

We Listen. We Partner. We Make it Easy.

Our Actions

• Listen to understand. 

• Learn continuously.

• Keep it simple.

• Create solutions.

• Deliver outstanding service.

• Own and speak up for safety.

• Expect, embrace and initiate change.

• Demonstrate exceptional teamwork.

• Trust and assume goodness of intentions.

• Hold myself and others accountable for results.

• Communicate directly with respect and honesty.

• Serve every person with empathy, dignity and compassion.

• Champion health equity and common good.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Thorough and in-depth knowledge and understanding of developing and managing advocacy initiatives and state legislative and administrative processes (preferably in the state of Iowa) as normally obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in public policy, healthcare, law, or related field, along with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant and progressive experience in state or federal advocacy with a health care organization, or in legislative, regulatory, or political activities.  Graduate degree preferred.

Strong personal presence: ability to educate others on broader issues, motivate others to act through strong written and communications skills, and networking skills to influence targeted constituencies.

Project management skills required to: implement advocacy plan, coordinate advocacy efforts, build coalitions, coordinate with hospital associations, and facilitate relationships with ministry leaders and policymakers.

Critical thinking skills.

Knowledge of the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice and healthcare.

Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Trinity Health.

Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment