Henry Ford Health is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Associate Vice President of State Government Affairs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, this position leads state government affairs activities and supports state advocacy efforts on behalf of the enterprise.
The Associate Vice President of State Government Affairs is responsible for developing and executing advocacy strategies that advance Henry Ford Health's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve. The role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legislative, regulatory, and political developments and works across the enterprise to position Henry Ford Health as a leading voice in healthcare policy and advocacy in the state of Michigan.
Responsibilities:
- Supports the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and directs all state advocacy in coordination with the government affairs and policy teams. This includes development and executive of state government affairs strategies that support enterprise strategies and priorities.
- Monitors legislative activity, hearings, proposed bills, appropriations, administrative and regulatory rules and emerging policies affecting Henry Ford Health and the healthcare industry.
- Assesses the operational and financial implications of state policy in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Operations, Clinical, Communications, Strategy and other internal partners.
- Represents Henry Ford Health with the Michigan Legislature, the administration, state departments, commissions and relevant associations.
- Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, agency directors and staff, associations and statewide community organizations and other stakeholders as directed.
- Coordinate timely enterprise responses to legislation and regulations, including drafting or reviewing proposed legislative language, testimony, briefing materials and formal comments.
- Collaborate with the policy team to develop bill analyses, policy briefs and responses to proposed rules, agency guidance, bulletins and waivers.
- Support employee and stakeholder education and engagement regarding Henry Ford Health’s government affairs priorities.
- Support political action committee activities, as assigned, in accordance with applicable law, organizational policy and established governance.
- Manage state-related contract lobbyists to ensure
- Provide direction and oversight to assigned team members, including setting priorities, allocating work, supporting professional development and ensuring timely execution of objectives.
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, health administration, law or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, health care or a related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan state government, legislative processes and state agency operations.
- Proven ability to develop and execute complex advocacy strategies and influence policy outcomes.
- Experience advising senior executives on sensitive legislative, regulatory and political matters.
- Experience leading complex initiatives and coordinating cross-functional teams; direct supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, written and verbal communication, analytical and relationship-building skills.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, health administration or law or a related field.
- At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, health care or a related field.
Working closely with executive leadership and partners across the enterprise, this leader will help advance Henry Ford Health's legislative and advocacy priorities, navigate an evolving policy landscape, and build productive relationships with elected officials, state agencies, and key stakeholders. Equally important, they will serve as a trusted advisor and connector, translating complex policy developments into meaningful enterprise strategies and ensuring Henry Ford Health's voice is represented where it matters most.
Grounded in our commitment to service, collaboration, and making a difference in the lives of others, this leader will help champion policies that support accessible, high-quality care and advance the health and well-being of the communities we proudly serve.