Assistant Director of Health Government Relations

About the Job

USC University Relations (UR) advances the university’s mission and USC’s role as an anchor institution. The department’s scope includes community partnerships, civic engagement, government relations, small business, non‑profit accelerators, USC’s seven Head Start early childhood education centers, pre‑K to career neighborhood education programs, and Classical California – the nation’s largest classical music provider.

The Assistant Director of Health Government Relations reports to the Vice President and will advance USC Health Systems’ policy priorities at the federal, state and local levels. The role provides strategic analyst support on federal and state policy related to hospital financing, healthcare regulatory changes, graduate medical education, and other healthcare issues.

• Monitors, reviews, researches, analyzes and evaluates legislative and regulatory issues and government policies to update and advise on strategic solutions for advocacy and public policy that may impact the health system.
• Ensures that new and revised legislation and regulations regarding the health system are communicated to the appropriate parties and that changes are implemented to maintain compliance and quality.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders on regulatory and policy impacts.
• Prepares regular briefings, policy updates and presentations.
• Prepares advocacy plans and engages in advocacy activities representing the health system, including possible delegation visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
• Acts as the liaison in maintaining critical relationships between the health system and trade organizations in Sacramento, D.C., and locally.
• Works collaboratively with internal federal, state and local government relations teams and other University Relations colleagues to develop relationships with key elected officials and their staff/committee members to promote USC Health Systems initiatives and programs.
• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others, and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

May require work, travel, on weekends, evenings and/or holidays, based on business necessity.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; master’s or professional degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5‑7 years with government relations, legislative or public affairs management, or equivalent; demonstrated strategic advocacy experience.
• Strong organizational and project management ability; excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking.
• Thorough understanding of the California legislative and budgetary process.
• Basic understanding of congressional processes and critical committees.
• Specific knowledge of policy issues impacting the healthcare industry and academic medical centers.
• Ability to evaluate complex problems/emerging policy issues and identify their potential implications for the health system.
• Effective relationship‑building and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a coalition; ability to work collaboratively with other USC departments.
• Ability to influence, negotiate with and persuade others.
• Ability to engage in sophisticated/strategic thinking to influence elected officials and other policymakers.
• Ability to translate strategies into tactical plans and operationalize them into successful outcomes.
• Ability to think broadly across issue areas and develop action plans integrating communications and civic engagement strategies.
• Consistent exercise of independent and sound judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
• Uncompromising ethics and integrity.
• Personal interest in and commitment to healthcare, health equity, access to care and the healthcare workforce.

This position’s annual base salary range is $115,500. When extending an offer of employment, USC considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education or training, essential skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding and external market and…