Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs at Vocational Instruction Project

New York, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jul, 26

Salary

120000.0

Posted On

22 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Government Relations, Community Organizing, Public Affairs, Strategic Funding, Legislative Strategy, Grant Writing, Policy Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Speaking, Persuasive Writing, Data Analysis, Relationship Management, Advocacy, Non-profit Management, Healthcare Policy

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Description Position Summary The Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs is a strategic leadership role designed to strengthen VIP Community Services’ influence, visibility, and partnerships within the Bronx and across New York City and State. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Vocational and Community Affairs Officer, the Director serves as a primary liaison between VIP and government entities, healthcare payers, community boards, and local stakeholders. This individual is responsible for securing discretionary funding, diversifying revenue through private foundations, and advocating for an integrated care model that bridges healthcare, housing, and economic empowerment. Role Focus and Prioritization Primary Focus: Government Affairs & Strategic Funding Discretionary funding (NYC City Council and State sources) Federal Community Project Funding (CPF) Private and corporate foundation funding Secondary Focus: Community & Board Engagement Community engagement and local stakeholder presence Organizational visibility and reputation management Board and advisory group communication Advisory (Not Lead): Healthcare & Payer Strategy Support payer relations through strategic positioning Contribute to clinical and integrated care narrative development Core Pillars of Responsibility 1. Government Affairs & Advocacy Legislative Strategy: Develop, execute and manage an annual legislative agenda at the city, state, and federal levels. Funding Procurement: Lead the end-to-end preparation and submission of NYC City Council Discretionary Funding requests and Federal Community Project Funding applications (e.g., FY27 requests). Advocacy & Liaison: Maintain active relationships with elected officials (e.g., Federal, local City Council, and State Legislature) to ensure VIP remains a priority for district-specific initiatives. Policy Analysis: Monitor legislation and budget proposals impacting healthcare, Medicaid, and social services. Collaborate with VIP’s lobbyists to create frequent opportunities for meetings with representatives. Represent VIP on trade association policy committees. Medicaid & System Reform Representation: Represent VIP in key external forums and policy discussions, such as: Social Care Networks (SCNs) Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) implementation initiatives Medicaid redesign and 1115 waiver-related developments 2. Strategic Funding & Resource Development Institutional Grant Seeking (RFPs): Proactively identify and respond to government and private RFPs across VIP’s integrated service spectrum. Foundation Relations: Coordinate the development of a robust pipeline of private family and corporate foundations; manage the full grant cycle from initial outreach to stewardship. Corporate Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with local corporations and healthcare payers (e.g., Healthfirst, Emblem, Fidelis, and Molina) for sponsorships and mission-aligned projects. Impact-Driven Requests: Conceptualize “special projects” grounded in data to attract diversified funding. Funding Infrastructure: Develop and maintain a centralized funding pipeline and tracking system to monitor submission status, awards, and compliance requirements. 3. Healthcare & Clinical Advocacy Integrated Care Representation: Position VIP as a leader in “whole-person” care, emphasizing the synergy between Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental Services, and Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN). Clinical Expansion Support: Support the organization in identifying funding for clinical expansion, including any new initiatives/programs. Payer Alignment (Advisory Role): Highlight VIP’s clinical outcomes and community impact to managed care organizations to support improved incentive based financial partnerships. Value-Based Care Alignment: Support value-based care and alternative payment model positioning through policy and funding alignment. 4. Community Relations & Board Engagement Community Presence: Represent VIP at Community Board meetings, local precinct councils, and neighborhood coalitions as directed. Board Communication: Prepare the monthly Board communications regarding legislative wins, community engagement, and fundraising milestones. Stakeholder Engagement: Support and help coordinate a Fundraising Advisory Board to increase local engagement and support for VIP’s comprehensive programs. Requirements Qualifications Experience: 5+ years in government relations, community organizing, public affairs, or strategic development, ideally within the NYC non-profit, healthcare, or FQHC sector. Breadth of Knowledge: Deep understanding of the New York healthcare market, the complexities and related costs of serving high-need populations. Network: Existing relationships with Bronx-based elected officials and NYC/NYS legislative staff is highly desirable. Skills: Proven track record of securing government discretionary and private foundation funding, or equivalent experience within legislative offices overseeing the approval and distribution of public funding. Exceptional public speaking and persuasive writing skills Ability to translate clinical and financial data into compelling funding and policy narratives Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Health Administration, Communications, or related field (Master’s preferred). Core Competencies Mission-Driven: Commitment to VIP’s integrated model of healthcare, recovery, housing, and economic empowerment Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess how city, state, and federal policies impact service delivery and funding opportunities Self-Starter: Ability to build processes, systems, and partnerships from the ground up in a newly established role External Leadership: Comfortable representing VIP in high-level policy, funding, and community forums

Responsibilities

The Director will lead government affairs and strategic funding initiatives to strengthen the organization's influence and partnerships across New York. They are responsible for managing legislative agendas, securing discretionary and foundation funding, and representing the organization in key healthcare and community forums.