at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, United States
Job Description
The Director of Health Policy will lead the development and execution of the company’s health policy program. This role will serve as a credible authority on health policy issues, guiding research and educational initiatives that inform and support federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy. The Director will produce evidence-based policy resources and collaborate across departments to engage key stakeholders—including employees, members, providers, business leaders, lawmakers, advocacy groups, and academic institutions. This position will play a central role in elevating BCBSKS’s voice in health policy discussions and driving informed, community-based engagement on issues such as affordability, provider reimbursement, benefit design, and health equity.
What you’ll do
- Lead the development and execution of BCBSKS’s health policy program aligned with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
- Oversee the creation of health policy research products including policy briefs, white papers, position statements, and toolkits.
- Serve as the internal expert on federal and state health policy trends, regulations, and reform efforts.
- Collaborate with Government Relations, Blue Health Initiatives, and other internal teams to ensure consistent, informed advocacy messaging.
- Develop and lead educational seminars, workshops, and briefings on health policy topics for internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide policy expertise to support grassroots advocacy and community engagement efforts, particularly on topics such as affordability, provider reimbursement, benefit design, and health equity.
- Represent BCBSKS in policy discussions with coalitions, think tanks, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
- Cultivate relationships with policy influencers, academic researchers, public health experts, and health system stakeholders to support policy collaboration.
- Analyze and interpret federal and state health policy legislation and regulatory proposals to identify opportunities that enhance health outcomes, affordability, and expand access to
- Mentor and supervise health policy staff and collaborate with other leadership team members to align health policy efforts with business priorities.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- In-depth knowledge of U.S. healthcare systems, public health policy, health economics, insurance markets, and health equity principles.
- Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and federal levels.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex policy and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing professional policy documents and delivering public presentations.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across departments and with external partners.
- Skilled in managing projects, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Politically astute with a strong ethical foundation and commitment to nonpartisan, evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement.
What you need
- Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in health policy, health services research, public affairs, or a related field.
- Experience working within or alongside government agencies, health insurers, or advocacy organizations strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in policy writing, stakeholder education, and public speaking.
- Leadership experience, including managing teams and driving strategic initiatives.
