Executive Director of Government Affairs

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Policy, Regulatory and Executive Advisory
• Government and Stakeholder Engagement
• Regional Affiliate, Growth and Enterprise Partnership
• Governance, Performance and Compliance

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 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

About Merakey

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.