Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager

Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager

Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager
Job Code: 29316

The Government Affairs and Community Relations Manager serves as Kootenai Health’s primary liaison to state, county, and municipal policymakers while strengthening trusted relationships with community business and local not‑for‑profit leaders. The Manager will monitor policy developments, communicate Kootenai Health’s priorities, and support advocacy efforts that protect and advance the organization’s mission of providing safe, high‑quality, compassionate care. Serves as an advocate, brand ambassador, and organizational representative of Kootenai Health (KH) at relevant community meetings and events.

In addition, serves as a principal advisor to leadership on federal and CMS policy changes and impacts.

• Builds and maintains strong, proactive relationships with Idaho state legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, county commissioners, city council members, mayors, and other key government partners
• Serves as a consistent and trusted point of contact for policymakers, ensuring they understand Kootenai Health’s role, priorities, and community impact
• Plans and coordinates regular touchpoints with elected officials, including site visits, facility tours, briefings, community events, and legislative round tables
• Represents Kootenai Health at local government meetings, association meetings, regional coalitions, and civic organizations
• Monitors state, county, and city legislative and regulatory activity that may impact Kootenai Health’s operations, finances, and strategic priorities
• Advices senior leadership on emerging policy issues, risks, and opportunities
• Prepares policy summaries, briefing materials, talking points, and strategic recommendations for Kootenai Health’s board and leadership team
• Partners with lobbyists, the Idaho Hospital Association (IHA), and other external partners to track and report on bills, ordinances, funding proposals, and regulatory actions
• Proactively researches, monitors, and studies CMS and federal/local government activities
• Supports development of Kootenai Health’s legislative agenda in collaboration with internal leaders and external partners to include the Northwest Hospital Alliance
• Communicates Kootenai Health’s policy positions to lawmakers in a clear, data‑driven, and relationship‑oriented manner
• Coordinates grassroots or community advocacy efforts as appropriate, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Drafts letters, testimony, and official comments on relevant legislation and regulatory proposals
• In collaboration with the KH Foundation and Marketing team, leads and coordinates KH’s presence and sponsorship at community events, participating as needed or required
• Works to increase positive awareness of KH’s services, enhance KH’s reputation with key audiences, and foster a feeling of respect and trust for KH
• Plans and participates in events, conferences, and meetings that enhance KH’s visibility and influence among policymakers and industry leaders
• Ability to travel throughout Idaho, primarily in Kootenai County and Boise area, with travel reimbursement in alignment with current KH policy
• Responsible for managing work in a fluid and at times ambiguous environment
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Competent to meet age‑specific needs of the unit assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline required
• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in public affairs, public relations, or a related field
• Experience working in the healthcare industry preferred
• Must have valid driver’s license with proof of insurance
• Excellent written and oral communications, including public speaking
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teams at all levels of the organization
• Proficient in Microsoft programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Office and Excel
• Demonstrated…