As one of the nation’s leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics and primary care practices in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children – even those who may never enter our doors – through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts. At Nemours, our Associates help us deliver on the promise we make to every family we have the privilege of serving: to treat their child as if they were our own.
 
Reporting to the Chief Executive of Florida Operations, the Managing Director, External Affairs, provides leadership to Nemours external affairs activities and programs for Florida operations. The individual in this position will be primarily accountable to ensure that Nemours develops external relationships that position it as a prominent and influential organization in Florida and a respected voice at the table in deliberations affecting healthcare and children’s issues. This includes, but is not limited to, playing a pivotal role in positioning the organization with government, community, and business leaders in a manner that advances Nemours agenda.
 
In partnership with the CEO-FL, the Managing Director, External Affairs, develops strategic direction and provides recommendations on public policy matters involving federal, state, and local governments. The individual monitors legislative and regulatory matters and prepares organizational action plans, and develops and maintains professional relationships with key external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, elected officials, public administrators, community leaders, and business leaders. The Managing Director, External Affairs will collaborate effectively with Nemours Office of Policy and Prevention in Washington DC to ensure that the Florida agenda is synergistic with Nemours’ national agenda and that Florida concerns are optimally represented in Washington.
 
In addition, the Managing Director, External Affairs, assists operating units with local government relations to ensure Florida-wide policy and public affairs consistency, serves on internal committees to assist in developing and recommending organizational strategy in alignment with the current or emerging public policy environment, engages on matters involving the interplay of clinical, business, and public policy issues and projects, and represents the organization on community boards, trade associations, and committees in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of Nemours.
 
The position also oversees the organization’s licensed lobbyists, including third party consultants, and serves as a collaborative partner and consultant as needed on matters involving public relations, including communications (external and internal) and media relations for Nemours locations within and outside the state of Florida.
 
Essential Functions 

Oversees the development and execution of political, legislative, and regulatory strategies and programs in the state of Florida to ensure favorable public policy outcomes.
Develops a public affairs strategy that will allow Nemours to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media, key influencers, and policymakers.
Coordinates the protection and enhancement of Nemours interests with federal, state, and local government.
Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO-FL on public affairs.
Partners closely with Nemours executives and other business partners to inform policy positions and ensure that advocacy is aligned with the company’s business priorities and values.
Provides leadership and direction to the public affairs team; engages and manages third party public relations firms; oversees internal and external lobbyists supporting Florida operations.
Monitors, analyzes, and prepares for emerging and existing regulatory and legislative issues affecting Florida operations and consults with senior management to determine the impact on the business. Proactively evaluates proposed legislation and regulations, and works with legislative staffs on proposed revisions.
Elevates the political and economic profile of the enterprise with key local and state public officials and ensures the planning of tours, site visits, and the visibility of Nemours positive impact of children in the state.
Spearheads the management of public or government relations issues that could negatively impact the reputation of Nemours; ensures the organization is prepared to respond to crisis that may impact reputation.
Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with key public and government officials.
Drafts advocacy materials and position statements that articulate rationale in support of policy positions and prepares oral and written materials for internal audiences that summarize legislative and regulatory activities and explains their potential impact on Nemours.
Develops and influences partnerships with key external stakeholders including public policy trade associations, non-profits, and think tanks, and represents Nemours perspectives and interests persuasively in such organizations.
Continually educates members of the Florida legislative and executive branches of government on Nemours activities in Florida.
Provides information on public affairs to the Board of Managers or Board of Directors as needed.
Represents Nemours in high-profile public engagements, including media appearances, public hearings, and policy conferences.

 
Other functions 

Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through effective budget management.
Keeps abreast of impending public policy or regulatory action that might impact Nemours interest and partners with leadership to develop a response.
Participates on cross-functional teams and committees as needed to deepen understanding of public policy and community relations needs of the organization.
Hires, supervises, and evaluates a qualified staff and ensures team members are trained to effectively meet the public affairs needs of the organization.
Promotes the Nemours brand internally, locally, and nationally.

 
Job Specification 

Cares deeply about children’s health and healthcare.
Possesses thorough knowledge of public policy, political campaigns, public affairs and community outreach, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in government relations, and the legislative and regulatory process at the state level.
Possesses a firm grasp of policies and politics associated with pediatric health and healthcare at both federal and state levels.
Possesses strong expertise in general health care issues, commercial health insurance, and Medicaid.
Demonstrated ability to both develop creative policy solutions and influence legislation to advance Nemours legislative priorities.
Able to provide successful political strategies in the development and execution of Nemours legislative agenda or programs in a complex political environment.
Possesses outstanding political instincts and ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience managing others and experience interacting with lobbyists and legislators.
Significant level of interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to lead, communicate and persuade others, and interact effectively with others in difficult situations.
Excellent people management skills, ensuring staff are meeting goals and objectives in a sustainable way, and growing professionally.
Sound judgment and integrity; ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential matters.

 
Requirements 

10 years of public policy or lobbying experience in Florida or the U.S. legislative or executive branch and/or in corporate government affairs.
Bachelor’s degree is required. Other advanced degrees are a plus.
Position will be based in Orlando, Florida.
Up to 50% travel, primarily within the state, especially to Tallahassee.

 
Our dedication to professionals who are dedicated to children frequently earns Nemours a spot on the list of top workplaces in the communities we serve. Our Associates enjoy comprehensive benefits, including our unique “Bridge to a Healthy Future” pediatric health plan, an integrated wellness program, opportunities for professional growth, and much more. As an equal opportunity employer, Nemours focuses on the best-qualified applicants for our openings.