Lead Government Relations Officer

Discover Vanderbilt Health

With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated.

We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Government & Community Affairs

The Vanderbilt Health Executive Search Team is conducting a national search for a Lead Government Relations Officer. The Lead Government Relations Officer supports the Vice President of State Government and Community Affairs in advancing Vanderbilt University Medical Center's priorities with state government partners. This role strengthens Vanderbilt Health's presence at the Tennessee General Assembly and Governor's Office by leading strategic relationship-building, community engagement, and targeted communication efforts.

The Lead Government Relations Officer serves as a primary liaison between members of the Tennessee General Assembly and VUMC leadership to ensure alignment with institutional goals.

First Shift;
Days

• Works alongside the Vice President and Director of Government and Community Affairs to advise VUMC senior leadership on matters involving state governments. Provides analysis, recommendations, and situational awareness to support effective decision-making.
• Maintains strong communication channels with state officials and state-level organizations focused on healthcare, research, and regional development.
• Leads relationship-building efforts throughout the state of Tennessee with members of the Tennessee General Assembly.
• Represents VUMC at events, meetings, and activities across the state to elevate institutional visibility and build strategic goodwill.
• Leads internal stakeholder teams to build legislative initiatives to revise state law to benefit VUMC.
• Manages requests and scheduling for VUMC leaders and subject-matter experts to speak at legislative hearings and other events.
• Partners with VUMC Marketing & Communications to identify opportunities to engage elected officials and amplify VUMC's role in the community.

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience

• Familiarity with the process of advancing and passing legislation at the state level is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the Tennessee General Assembly's legislative process and the ability to effectively influence legislators and key stakeholders to advance policy objectives is strongly preferred.
• At least five years of demonstrated lobbying experience, including engagement with legislators and policymakers preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to quickly establish relationships, build trust, and maintain productive partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, is strongly preferred.

Our professional administrative functions include critical supporting roles in information technology and informatics, finance, administration, legal and community affairs, human resources, communications and marketing, development, facilities, and many more.

At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose.

• Organizatio…