Director, Legislative Affairs

at  The State of Kansas

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Legislative Affairs (K0245483) will play a key role in coalition and partner outreach, and acts as a policy researcher and serves as the liaison to the Kansas legislature on behalf of KDHE. As a policy researcher, this job entails researching state and nationwide health and environmental policies, inclusive of Medicaid, on behalf of Kansans. This includes representing the Department of Health and Environment in front of the Legislature, the Governor’s Office and staff/officials in other state agencies and organizations. The incumbent maintains knowledge of how legislation impacts agency goals and policies. Works to cultivate relationships with key officials, staff, policy makers and related governmental bodies and leaders. The incumbent performs grassroots cultivation in developing and recommending non-partisan engagement strategies. This position consults with the State Health Officer and Agency leadership, in addition to working with agency staff to develop and implement action plans for approved legislation within the state, county, city and agency levels. Serves as a resource for KDHE staff regarding the interpretation of legislation and answers questions given by constituents.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: Manage requests from the Office of the Governor and the Kansas Legislature. Interface with the Division of Health care Finance to manage Medicaid constituent requests. The Director will research legislative issues, bills, and/or amendments and works with KDHE staff to collect necessary information to draft legislative proposals and amendments. Works with agency subject experts and Public Affairs staff to prepare materials relative to the legislative process including but not limited to: talking points, briefs, letters, statements, and/or testimony. The incumbent will supervise the Legislative Liaison position who is responsible for the Division of Environment’s legislative portfolio. They will provide guidance and mentorship to this individual to ensure that the Division of Environment is well represented in front of the Kansas Legislature and with stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
• High School, GED
• Licensing & Certification:
• Valid Driver’s License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State
• Minimum Qualifications:
• 1-2 year of experience drafting, lobbying, and/or implementing legislation. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, health care, or environmental related field
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
• Experience drafting legislation
• Ability to network and work well with multiple constituents
• Experience working in the public sector
• Knowledge of the legislative process
• Ability to comprehend legislation, regulations, statutes, etc
• Experience with Medicaid, KanCare, or other health services
• Experience in environment or health regulations/legislation