Vice President, Government Relations

At North Bay Health, the Vice President of Government Relations serves as North Bay’s senior strategist and advocate on all legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters at the local, county, state, and federal levels. This executive leader is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive government relations strategy that advances North Bay’s mission, protects and enhances reimbursement, ensures favorable regulatory conditions and strengthens North Bay’s reputation as an essential community asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for North Bay’s government relations, public affairs, and related community engagement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between North Bay executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and elected officials, regulators, and staff at city, county, state (California Legislature, Governor’s Office; Solano, Yolo and Napa Counties, CalPERS, DHCS, CDPH, HCAI, etc.), and federal levels (Congressional delegation, CMS, etc.).
• Build, maintain, and leverage strong, trust-based relationships with key policymakers, their staff, business and community leaders, and influential stakeholders across California.
• Lead the development and execution of the North Bay’s annual legislative and regulatory agenda; track, analyze, and influence priority bills and regulations that affect healthcare delivery, financing, workforce, and operations.
• Represent North Bay in the California Hospital Association (CHA), other local, statewide and national trade associations (e.g., AHA, CHA subsidiaries, regional hospital councils), and relevant coalitions; maximize alignment and political capital through coordinated advocacy efforts.
• Direct North Bay’s political engagement strategy, including PAC administration (where applicable), candidate support, and grassroots/grass-tops mobilization.
• In collaboration with the CEO, CSO, C‑Suite, and Board, design and implement an annual legislative education and outreach plan for elected officials, business round tables, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and other key audiences that clearly communicates:
  • North Bay’s economic impact and community benefit,
  • Challenges to affordability and sustainability (Medi‑Cal reimbursement, seismic mandates, workforce shortages, etc.), and
  • Specific policy or funding support needed to maintain access and quality.
• Proactively position North Bay as a trusted advisor and partner to government on public health, health equity, disaster preparedness, and population health initiatives.
• Oversee internal education of the Board and leadership team on legislative and political developments; prepare timely briefings, testimony, position papers, and talking points.
• Collaborate with Community Benefit, Marketing/Communications, and Mission/Equity teams to align government relations with community affairs and brand‑reputation strategies.
• Manage the Government Relations budget, external lobbyists/consultants, and any direct reports.

Perform other duties as assigned by the CSO, CEO or Board Chair.

Education
:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, law, business, or related field. Master’s degree (MPA, MPH, MBA, JD) or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

Experience
:
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, or legislative advocacy; healthcare experience strongly preferred (hospital/system, association, or regulatory agency). Prior experience working directly for an elected official, state agency, or statewide healthcare association. Experience managing PACs and political giving strategies in California.

Skills
:
Demonstrated success in building relationships with County government officials, California state legislators, the Governor’s administration, and relevant agencies (DHCS, HCAI, CDPH, Covered California, etc.). Deep knowledge of California healthcare policy landscape, including Medi‑Cal, Medicare, 1115 waiver, seismic requirements (SB 1953/HB 252), workforce programs, and behavioral health reform. Proven ability to translate complex clinical, financial, and operational issues into compelling policy…