Director of Community Impact and Advocacy - Executive Office - University Health (5 days per week, 8:00a-4:30p, Mon-Fri)

The Director of Community Impact & Advocacy leads the conversations that shape the future of healthcare at University Health. The position is based at 101 Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations, public policy, and community engagement strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, healthcare associations, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization in legislative, regulatory, and public policy discussions affecting healthcare delivery and reimbursement.
• Maintain an understanding of emerging healthcare legislation, regulations, and public policy trends while providing strategic guidance to executive leadership.
• Lead advocacy efforts related to Medicaid, uncompensated care, behavioral health, maternal health, 340B, reimbursement equity, and healthcare access.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, educational institutions, and public agencies to improve community health outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaborations that address social drivers of health and reduce health disparities.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization at community meetings, legislative events, and professional organizations.
• Develop advocacy initiatives that strengthen the organization's visibility, influence, and community impact.
• Ensure advocacy and engagement strategies support the organization's mission, vision, values, and long-term strategic objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Political Science, Healthcare Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, community engagement, healthcare administration, or external affairs.
• Experience working with governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofit organizations, or public-sector partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare policy, Medicaid financing, public health systems, and safety-net healthcare.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success building consensus among diverse stakeholders and effectively navigating complex political and regulatory environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Law (JD), or a related discipline.
• Experience within a safety-net hospital, academic medical center, public hospital authority, or government healthcare system.
• Knowledge of Missouri healthcare policy, Medicaid supplemental payment programs, DSH/UPL financing, and 340B program policy.
• Experience leading legislative advocacy efforts, coalition building, and public-private partnerships.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic vision and systems thinking.
• Political and legislative acumen.
• Executive presence and influence.
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Public policy analysis and advocacy.
• Coalition building and strategic partnership development.
• Collaborative leadership across diverse constituencies.
• Commitment to health equity and community impact.
• Strong business judgment and organizational awareness.