Senior Director State Government Relations

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

General Summary:    

The Senior Director, State Relations is responsible for providing leadership in developing and executing legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies on the state level in support of the mission and strategic objectives of Lurie Children’s. This individual will work with the Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer, other hospital leaders, associations, advocates, and policymakers to manage the analysis, development, promotion and implementation of policy and system changes to advance child health and the medical center policy goals.  This position will also cultivate existing and new relationships with policy makers in the Illinois General Assembly and with key staff as appropriate in the Executive Agencies. Travel to Springfield during the session is required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans and executes state government relations strategies to support the advancement of the Hospital public health, clinical and research programs.
• Plans and executes strategies for establishing and cultivating positive relationships between the Hospital and state elected and appointed government officials.
• Manages the Government Relations Manager.
• Co-directs the work of outside consultants including lobbyists and consultants.
• Serves as Lurie Children’s liaison with health care associations in tracking state policy.
• Monitors proposed legislation and regulation, facilitates witness slip support or opposition on bills for the medical center, initiates legislation and drafts comments on regulations with input from impacted internal stakeholders as appropriate, and lobbies at the state level of government.
• Communicates with all Lurie Children’s stakeholders about state public policy issues of relevance to child health and Lurie Children's.
• Plans and executes efforts to develop and update Lurie Children’s institutional positions.
• Directs the work of the Collaborative for Children's Health, our statewide collaborative that seeks to improve child health through policy.
• Convenes and staffs internal and external committees including, but not limited to the bi-weekly State Government Relations call, Founders’ Board Advocacy Committee, Medicaid Managed Care Strategy Committee and the Neonatal Levels of Care work group.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master's degree in a public policy-related field preferred or public health related educational background preferred.
• Ten years or more experience with progressive project leadership; direct policy or advocacy experience is essential, experience in Illinois and Chicago is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with complex policy issues.
• Demonstrated track record of executing strategies for establishing and cultivating positive relationships between the Hospital and elected and appointed government officials.
• Ability to communicate clearly with policymakers and lay audiences about data and research.
• Commitment to evidence-based policy, data-driven policy processes.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills required.
• At least six (6) Experience leading employees and consultants in advocacy planning and implementation to take initiative and work independently and as a team player.
• Organizational skills: Experience independently planning and managing projects; ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes on short notice.

Education

Pay Range

At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s, we embrace and celebrate building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that different life experiences strengthen our workplace and the care we provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.  

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: [email protected]