Policy Director, Legal Affairs

Job Title: Policy Director, Legal Affairs

Department:  Government Affairs

Reports to: Senior VP & Deputy General Counsel

Hybrid work opportunity.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, ADD, Supplemental Life and ADD, FSA (Dependent/Health), Safe Harbor 401K with Match, Vacation 2-4 weeks, End of year Wellness Week from 12/25 and 1/2, 9 Holidays, 2 Personal Holidays, EAP, and Transportation Assistance.

The Policy Director, Legal Affairs leads public policy analysis, advocacy, and implementation on key laws, regulations, and agency actions of material importance to the operations of Washington State hospitals. The Policy Director, Legal Affairs provides the substantive expertise and direction needed to develop the legal and policy structure in order to further our hospital members’ ability to deliver quality, cost effective care.  The Policy Director, Legal Affairs has responsibility for specific pieces of achieving the organization’s public policy goals; influences state and federal elected bodies, elected officials and administrative agencies; and assists hospital members in following and taking advantage of new laws.  Furthermore, the Policy Director, Legal Affairs translates understanding of hospital needs to achievable policy measures.  

This position specializes in policy work with an emphasis on health care laws impacting hospital operations. Policy work includes risk management, state charity care, privacy and security, information technology, the involuntary commitment system and adolescent behavioral health, bill drafting, as well as work with the various state agencies that regulate the applicable policy areas. The position reports to WSHA’s Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and works closely with the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. 

• Identify public policy opportunities or threats and create and develop legislative or regulatory response. 
• Engage WSHA members in public policy and advocacy, including preparing members to testify. 
• Serve as lead staff on key health care issues with the state legislature and state administrative agencies.  
• Coordinate with WSHA lobbyists.  
• Identify and lead opportunities for WSHA to address public policy challenges through voluntary efforts. 
• Develop WSHA response on proposed rules and agency guidelines.    
• Develop partnerships with other organizations that share WSHA’s interests and coordinate actions. 
• Direct work of WSHA data analytics staff to identify and display relevant data and information. 
• Present information at legislative committees, regulatory hearings, and other governmental meetings, as well as to partner organizations.   
• Present and facilitate discussions with the WSHA Board and committees. 
• Convene and chair WSHA sponsored work groups of hospital members, such as hospital financial counselors, hospital legal staff, and others. 
• Represent WSHA at outside workgroups and committees. 
• Keep members informed on WSHA advocacy efforts through phone conferences, webinars, newsletters, bulletins and other communication vehicles. 
• Assist members in following important state laws and in implementing new laws. 
• Develop relationships with key agency staff, member staff and partner organizations to identify and pursue hospital member interests. 
• Contribute to the development of WSHA strategic goals. 
• Participate as part of the policy development team -- sharing work, expertise, and resources.   
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and have a strong desire to learn new skills on an ongoing basis.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Juris doctorate required. Preference for Washington State Bar license. 
• At least five years of professional public policy and/or advocacy experience with a health care related organization, association, governmental entity, or political organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex law and regulations and communicate conclusions and recommendations in plain English to key audiences.  
• Ability to draft legal memos, policy documents, regulations, and legislation.  
• Familiarity with Washington State law and regulations.  
• Knowledge of state, federal and local political processes.  
• Ability to build effective relationships and represent WSHA in a professional and confident manner 
• Deep knowledge of health care environment. 
• Strong project coordination/management and leadership skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to successfully communicate effectively and work with diverse populations. 
• Ability to conceptualize, analyze and communicate complex health policy issues to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Strong, collaborative team player also able to successfully work independently. 
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects with competing priorities while meeting deadlines.  
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment. 
• Comfortable giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner to colleagues and supervisors. 

• Proficiency with computers and software is required, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint and PowerPoint).

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those typically encountered in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is typically performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level and the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. The role requires clear communication in person, over the phone, and in writing, as well as the ability to review and respond to documents in electronic and paper formats.