Vice President, External Affairs (Federal Government Affairs), Washington, DC

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that’s dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a diverse team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Vice President, External Affairs (Federal Government Affairs), Washington, DC will be responsible for working with colleagues across Government Affairs and the Company to develop and implement advocacy strategies on declared Federal government advocacy priorities.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Driving and contributing to effective advocacy efforts to advance and protect the Company’s objectives at the federal level

• Actively engaging in lobbying activities by communicating and advocating for priorities and building and deepening the Company’s relationships with federal legislative and executive branch officials and staff

• Anticipating, influencing and monitoring federal legislative and regulatory initiatives that may materially impact the Company

• Contributing to comprehensive strategic plans that leverage direct advocacy, policy and research, coalitions, stakeholder engagement and public opinion to advance the Company’s objectives at the federal level

• Partnering with the Company’s federal consultants on advocacy and relationship development priorities

• Establishing and maintaining engagement with select external stakeholders, including industry partners, coalitions, thought leaders and other stakeholders who are able to influence advocacy outcomes

• Contributing to and developing timely content to support declared priorities, including but not limited to executive briefing materials, talking points, executive updates, advocacy materials and presentations

• Partnering effectively with colleagues in the business, including facilitating executive-level meetings with federal policymakers and staff

• Working closely with the PAC manager to optimize political giving strategies

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Must have 10-15 years of senior-level experience working in Congress, the Executive Branch, government relations, public policy, advocacy or campaigns

• Experience developing and executing successful policy, lobbying or political strategies

• Experience or background in the health care industry or another highly regulated environment strongly preferred; political campaign experience welcome

• Impeccable personal character and high integrity – able to represent the Company with the highest standards of professionalism in internal and external settings

• Highly motivated and reliable, with a strong work ethic and deep pride in one’s work

• Outstanding written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to consistently prepare high-quality, time-sensitive internal and external deliverables

• Solid detail orientation and ability to consistently manage projects or contribute to activities with the highest degree of quality, professionalism and responsiveness

• Excellent interpersonal, relationship, negotiation and presentation skills

• Thorough knowledge of the Federal legislative and regulatory processes

• Keen political acumen and ability to navigate issues comprehensively – inclusive of direct advocacy, policy and research, coalitions, third party engagement and public opinion

• Existing relationships and credibility with Congressional offices and/or the Executive Branch

• Eagerness to learn, improve, grow, and earn new opportunities – including demonstrating responsiveness to constructive feedback

• Ability to pivot and quickly adapt in response to changes in the external environment or company priorities

• Ability to thrive in an intense, accountable environment for a complex, highly diversified industry-leading, mission-oriented company committed to improving access, affordability, experience and outcomes for the people we are privileged to serve

   

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $196,600 to $337,100 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes – an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.   

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.  

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.