Director – Federal Agency Relations

A career with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association allows you to be part of the organization that supports Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies nationwide. We seek to improve health care quality, affordability, and accessibility for all Americans, and we want you to join the team!

Driven by our North Star, to expand access to high-quality, affordable care for every community we serve, we foster a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our people experience is built on meaningful work, competitive total rewards, and opportunities for growth, empowering you to make an impact while thriving both professionally and personally.

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This role is responsible for maintaining and developing strategic relationships with Blue Plans and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to support the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and the Postal Services Health Benefits (PSHBP)Program. It involves creating and executing a comprehensive communication strategy for federal entities, managing a team of government liaisons, and acting as the primary contact for senior BCBSA leadership. The role includes setting the strategic engagement direction, attending meetings with government leaders, developing and disseminating comprehensive analysis of governmental communications within the Federal Employee Program organization, and tracking responses to federal inquiries. Additionally, it involves cross-functional collaboration to monitor and influence federal legislation, organize annual congressional meetings for the FEHB/PSHB program, and set the strategic interactions with the National Labor Office on matters related to federal and postal unions.

Sets the strategic direction for FEP's engagement with OPM and serves as a primary decision-maker for OPM-related matters. Exercises significant autonomy in determining FEP's approach and response to OPM priorities, inquiries and emerging issues, and directs and coordinates cross-functional FEP teams to develop cohesive responses. Serves as a key liaison with OPM contracting officers and senior officials, leveraging relationships, identifying high-impact opportunities, understanding agency needs and navigating complex disputes. Works collaboratively with the SVP of FEP on long-term strategic engagements with OPM, including matters involving pending legislation and proposed federal regulations.

Develop and implement timely, integrated communication strategies for Blue Plans and government agencies through collaboration with key stakeholders, government contractors, and civil servants, and oversee daily formal communications with OPM senior leadership, regarding all government agency developments. Acts as BCBSA’s primary representative to the Association of Federal Health Organizations (AFHO), representing FEP interests and furthering FEP’s position within the FEHBP.

Responsible for the annual revision of the Site Visit Questionnaire as well as federal agency on-site visits, manages initiatives for efficient internal process management (including Issue Log resolution and coordination of Carrier letter responses), and supervises the team responsible for arranging and conducting Site Visits. Also responsible for leading the OPM engagements for audits, contract negotiations and responses to OPM carrier letters.
Acts as the single point of contact for federal agency interactions, including co-leading annual OPM benefits negotiations and tracking progress and deliverables for those negotiations. Responsible for developing and maintaining an effective customer relations strategy to influence OPM’s award of the annual service charge.
Leads and develops the team, building a culture aligned with BCBSA values and leadership competencies, while delivering operational excellence and efficiency.

The posting range for this position is:

154,300.00 - 223,750.00

Qualifications:

Education

• Required BS or equivalent work experience
• Preferred MS

Experience

• Required 7+ Years related experience within the health care industry or related disciplines

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding time management skill
• Strong project leadership skills
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
• Prior project/program leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to set priorities and meet objectives for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong technical proficiency with information technologies (e.g. Microsoft software applications)
• Preferred: Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.

Certifications & Licenses

• Preferred: Fellow, Academy for Healthcare Management (FAHM) - AHIP

Extra Posting Information:

10+ years of related experience within the health care industry or related disciplines

#LI-Hybrid

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NOTICE OF USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) is committed to ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing the use of technology in the employment context. BCBSA uses artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools to assist with our recruitment process. All hiring decisions remain subject to human review and oversight.