Vice President, California Government Relations

About the Role

The incumbent leads the Sacramento Government Relations Office and represents Kaiser Permanente before the State of California. This position is critical in influencing public policy that affects Kaiser Permanente and fostering a supportive regulatory climate for integrated financing and delivery systems. The role involves interpreting the political and policy environment, influencing legislation, and serving as a liaison between Kaiser Permanente and government branches.

The incumbent must navigate a complex legislative process, often making rapid decisions on significant legislative issues without prior consultation. They are responsible for leading a team, managing a substantial budget, and maintaining key relationships with legislators, government officials, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of in-house advocates and contracted consultants to influence legislation supporting Kaiser Permanente’s mission and strategy.
• Educate policy makers, legislators, and staff about Kaiser Permanente and the impact of proposed legislation.
• Maintain effective relationships with government officials, legislators, legislative staff, trade associations, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Kaiser Permanente’s government relations, legal, compliance, and operational leaders to advocate for regulatory actions.
• Advise national leadership and regional management on pending legislation, policy changes, and government relations matters.
• Collaborate with the Permanente Medical Groups to ensure unified messaging on public policy issues.
• Monitor legislative and political developments and advise management on their potential impact.
• Evaluate and interpret public policy affecting Kaiser Permanente and develop strategic alternatives.
• Make decisions on major legislative issues when time does not permit consultation.
• Represent Kaiser Permanente at public forums involving policy makers and stakeholder groups.
• Provide strategic guidance to regional government relations management on maintaining relationships with key officials and influencers.
• Supervise the Sacramento Office, including personnel matters and budget management.

Requirements

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in the legislative process or public policy related to health care and/or coverage.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of the California legislative process and influential groups.
• Health care delivery or coverage expertise with the ability to quickly learn new policy aspects.
• Strong writing skills and excellent oral communication for large and small audiences.
• Experience engaging with labor representatives or the ability to rapidly build strategic relationships.
• Demonstrated record of personal integrity, credibility, and success in prior roles.
• Experience managing government relations professionals or the capacity to succeed in a management role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of Kaiser Permanente is highly desirable.
• Ability to rapidly learn about Kaiser Permanente’s operations if direct experience is lacking.

Pay

$324,000 - $405,000 per year. Kaiser Permanente offers a market-competitive total rewards package, with pay determined by labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate’s relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule

• Full-time, standard shift: Monday - Friday, 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM.
• Travel: 25% of the time.
• Work Setting: Flexible, with the worker location aligned to Kaiser Permanente’s Authorized States policy.