Vice President, California Government Relations

Job Summary

The incumbent’s major areas of responsibility include leading the Sacramento Government Relations Office and effectively representing the Program before the State of California. The importance of this position is reflected in the amount and complexity of public policy that impacts the health care industry and, in particular, Kaiser Permanente’s operation and areas of interest. As a leader in the health care field and its strong presence in California, Kaiser Permanente is the natural focus of government and private sector interest.

Kaiser Permanente is also substantially affected by governments’ roles as purchaser and regulator. Thus, government relations is an important and visible element of Kaiser Permanente’s operations and interests, and this position is a critical element of that effort. This position is responsible for influencing public policy that may affect Kaiser Permanente and fostering a policy and regulatory climate supportive of integrated financing and delivery systems in general, and Kaiser Permanente in particular.

This position is unique to the Program in that it has wide latitude of freedom to be involved in a variety of activities to accomplish its accountabilities. In general, these activities can be described under two major categories:

Interpreting Information and Influencing Policy-The incumbent plays a crucial role in helping Kaiser Permanente leadership understand the political and policy environment in which the organization operates and developing approaches to ensure it can be understood as a leading organization in the State of California. A key function is to serve as liaison between Kaiser Permanente and the executive and legislative branches of California government.

The incumbent is expected to lead a team that accurately and persuasively communicates Kaiser Permanente’s positions to government officials, legislators, legislative staff, stakeholder organizations, and other key influencers that represent health care, health insurance, business, labor and other relevant sectors. Often this requires informing and educating those individuals on the special operating requirements of Kaiser Permanente and how proposed policy making decisions may affect Kaiser Permanente’s ability to provide services and achieve its organizational mission.

The incumbent leads a team that works with other members of the Government Relations department in drafting legislation, proposing amendments, and evaluating the potential impact of legislation or guidelines on Kaiser Permanente’s ability to provide services, and advocating on behalf of Kaiser Permanente. Frequently the incumbent is called upon to discuss issues that affect Kaiser Permanente in a setting that does not allow for preparation;

Providing Advice and Counsel to Various Legislative and Government Bodies
-Outside the normal activities of the position, the incumbent spends considerable time assisting members of the legislature or other government personnel in their efforts to understand a variety of health care issues and Kaiser Permanente. A continuing challenge for the incumbent is the need to be familiar with a broad range of issues yet be capable of shifting attention to more immediate concerns for the Program and/or issues that are rapidly gaining momentum.

Sensitivity to the policy-making process (knowing where, when and how to access it) and the political framework within which issues are decided is of critical importance in carrying out the incumbent’s responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to be thoroughly knowledgeable about Kaiser Permanente in California and to evaluate and interpret the possible implications of pending legislation. They must also understand federal policy and what impact it may have on efforts in California and will need to coordinate with their GR colleagues in DC and Program Offices.

Moreover, the incumbent is expected to keep Program Office and Regional management informed of legislative, political and government developments.

The incumbent is responsible for leading a strategic effort where key relationships are developed and fostered with legislators and their staffs,…