PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Media Relations is responsible for developing and maintaining a favorable public image and ensuring consistent articulation of the Alliance’s mission by communicating programs, accomplishments, and/or points of views. This position is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of the organization’s internal and external public relations strategies. Responsibilities also include developing and maintaining strong relationships with local government entities, government officials and industry leaders, and acting as a liaison at regular priority stakeholder meetings. This position monitors, analyzes and reports health related policy issues to the CEO and Board of Governors and partners with them on local and state advocacy work.. This individual will help demonstrate the organization’s leadership in health care by articulating the Alliance’s vision across external and internal audiences and will lead media relations and serve as a primary media contact, including acting as the voice and spokesperson of the organization. This position will require occasional media appearances and public speaking. The Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Media Relations will develop and drive a policy agenda for the organization and report directly to and assist the COO on local matters. This position serves as a resource for Alliance staff activities through the framework of organization objectives and regulatory adherence.

Principal responsibilities include:

• Develops and updates organizational media relations strategy to promote the Alliance’s brand with key stakeholders, partners and the general public. Identifies opportunities to enhance the organization’s profile in Alameda County.
• Develops internal and external communications that amplify the Alliance’s mission, drives engagement, and protects the organization’s brand across all departments and affiliated entities.
• Works with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to develop informative organizational messaging and tell stories that advance the mission of the Alliance.
• Coordinates senior management media engagement.
• Supports the crisis communication function, should a need arise.
• Creates and maintains an up-to-date stakeholder portfolio (dashboard) of relationships with key partners and collaborators of the Alliance.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with industry leaders and influencers to grow brand awareness.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key elected oficials, staff and agency representatives at the state, county and local government levels. Develops engagement plans for key relationships with government and civic officials.
• Serves as key liason to local government officials, legislative offices, industry partners, and community leaders.
• Establishes and maintains ongoing dialogue between the Alliance and elected officials and /or their staff, responding effectively to issues, while advocating for the Alliance’s interests.
• Provides detailed reporting on initiatives, events, leads, and activities supporting Board of Supervisors and subcommitties.
• Monitors, reviews, analyzes and reports on legislative and/or program initiatives that have the potential to impact the Alliance’s mission and initiatives. Maintains a system for local and state legislative tracking.
• Keeps abreast of local initiatives and work across the organization to analyze and report on the potential impact of the changes.
• Monitors and communicates changes, proposed or considered, on local initatives, policies and ordinances.
• Attends and reports back on relevant legislative hearings and other state policy events.
• Identifies opportunities to build partnerships, coalitions, critical policy change.
• Prepares or supports the development of provider or staff training related to new local policies or requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of business products and related Alliance policies and procedures.
• Works with the Communications & Outreach department on the Alliance’s electronic presence, including all social media.
• Completes other special projects and duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Public Speaking, writing, reporting, researching, administration, and policy analysis.
• Communicate in written and verbal form to diverse audiences.
• Lead and participate in internal and external committees and meetings.
• Comply with the organization’s Code of Conduct, all regulatory and contractual requirements, organizational policies, procedures, and internal controls.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constant and close visual work at desk or computer.
• Constant sitting and working at desk.
• Constant data entry using keyboard and/or mouse.
• Frequent use of telephone headset.
• Frequent verbal and written communication with staff and other business associates by telephone, correspondence, or in person.
• Frequent lifting of folders and other objects weighing between 0 and 30 lbs.
• Frequent walking and standing.
• Occasional driving of automobiles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT TO:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• or

• Eight (8) years work experience in public relations, government affairs, communications, public policy or health field(s).
• Master’s degree in public policy or public health preferred or eight (8) years of work experience in public relations, government affairs, communications, public policy or health related field(s) can be substituted.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and/or Vietnamese preferred.

MINIMUM YEARS OF ADDITIONAL RELATED EXPERIENCE:

• Strong knowledge of Alameda County, its cities and neighborhoods, governance, and community based organizations.
• Strong pre-existing and credible relationships with government entities and local elected officials.
• Understanding of local and state legislative process and related stakeholders, and experience communicating about policy impacts, including with the media.
• Strong political acuity, as well as knowledge of Medi-Cal and other publicly funded programs required.
• Familiarity with health policy required.
• Familiarity with the managed care sector required.
• Public speaking experience required.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSE):

• Excellent communication skills, to include exceptional and effective written and verbal abilities; prior experience in writing articles, advertising material, press releases and other journalistic content required.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills to include ability to analyze and interpret legislative, statutory, regulatory, and legal language.
• Experience communicating policy ideas in public settings such as coalition meetings, and with the media.
• Ability to work with trade associations, coalitions, and outside consultants.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills, including ability to work effectively as part of a team across organizational structure a must as well as the ability to work independently as needed.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changes in policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Proficient experience in use of computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint, as well as excellent internet search skills.

Salary Range: $143,453.67 - $215,180.51/annually