Director Government Relations

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Occupational Summary

Plan, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive, proactive program to build relationships with local government officials, key governmental staff contacts, and local businesses and leaders, as well as advocate for the Duke University Health System’s (DUHS) position on municipal and county issues in Duke’s service areas. Assure an effective flow of information between local government leaders and the DUHS administration on relevant issues.

Work Performed

Government & Local Relations Strategy

• Plan and implement a comprehensive, diversified local government relations program (primarily in Wake County, with support provided in Durham County, Iredell County, and other areas identified by the system’s strategic growth plan), to include researching local ordinances, policies, regulations, and issues; develop organizational positions; coordinate staff to maximize impact; and foster positive relationships with both internal and external contacts to achieve objectives.
• Monitor local government actions and policies that affect the health system and its missions of medical education, research, patient care, and community health. Conduct background research and maintain up-to-date files and reports on issues that are of concern.
• Develop strategies with the Assistant Vice President for Duke State Relations and Vice President for Duke Health Government Relations to address emerging issues and track progress toward achieving objectives.
• Working with the other members of the DUHS Government Relations team, participate in the development of a coordinated federal, state, and local government relations strategy to advance DUHS priorities.

Relationship Building & Advocacy

• Serve as the point of contact to educate and advocate with local government officials and community leaders regarding DUHS priorities and initiatives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, senior administrative offices within Duke University and DUHS, university and health system news offices, local government offices, local chambers of commerce, and other local organizations representing the community. 
• Represent the office in internal and external forums, such as local government hearings and meetings, conferences, community advocacy meetings, and conference calls; and present the organization’s position as appropriate. Prepare summaries and recommended actions as appropriate.
• Support Duke Health’s federal and state government relations programs by making sure local policies reflect the organization’s strategic priorities. Coordinate with Duke University’s Office of Community Affairs and Duke Health’s Office of Community Health on local issues and outreach.

Communications & Engagement

• Develop and implement a proactive communications program to keep local officials and stakeholders informed about DUHS and its positions on a portfolio of policy issues. Contribute to the development of communication materials for print and electronic media necessary to carry out the work of the office. 
• Ensure timely and effective flow of information to DUHS administrators regarding local government actions, policies, and local priorities. Prepare reports, position papers, and briefings for senior leadership. 
• Assist in planning and coordinating visits by DUHS administrators and faculty with local government officials on the Duke campus and elsewhere; this includes preparing background materials and briefing documents. Coordinate with Duke news offices to promote media coverage consistent with the purpose of these events.

Special Projects & Support

• Provide planning, administrative, and communications support for special projects assigned to the office.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires communication, analytical, and organizational skills acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program. 

Experience

Work requires five years of experience in a federal legislative environment, including one year of experience in a hospital setting. Preferred 10 years of experience working in local Government work with a town/city council, chamber of commerce, or community organizations.  This role will be physically out in the community (primarily Wake County) at events, working lunches, and other off-site meetings.