Director, State Affairs - IL

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The Director, State Affairs (Director of State Affairs, Illinois) leads Humana ’s state advocacy and government engagement strategy across Illinois with additional responsibilities for a region of states including, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Delaware and Connecticut. This role advances Humana ’s policy priorities, strengthens key state relationships, and supports business growth through strategic advocacy and public sector engagement. As the face of Humana in priority states, the Director ensures a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach to legislative and regulatory activity. This role reports to the Director of State Affairs for the Upper Midwest. In this role you will:

- Lead Humana 's state advocacy, legislative affairs, and government engagement efforts across Illinois and assigned regional markets.

- Advance legislative, regulatory, and business priorities through strategic advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

- Partner with Medicare, Medicaid, and market leaders to align advocacy efforts with growth and operational objectives.

- Build and maintain relationships with legislators, regulators, Medicaid agencies, Departments of Insurance, and other key stakeholders.

- Monitor, identify and escalate emerging policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, recommending strategies to mitigate risk and drive opportunity.

- Collaborate with internal partners across policy, legal, compliance, communications, and business teams to ensure coordinated advocacy efforts.

- Manage external consultants, lobbying firms, trade associations, and advocacy partners to achieve strategic objectives.

- Deliver timely policy insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

- Develop and execute stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, and political engagement strategies that strengthen Humana 's reputation and influence.

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Use your skills to make an impact

Required Qualifications

- Residence in Illinois required, with preference given to candidates located in or near Springfield, IL. Candidates located in the Chicago metropolitan area will also be considered.

- Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout Illinois, including frequent travel between Chicago and Springfield, as well as periodic travel within the assigned region.

- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Health Policy, Communications, Business, or a related field.

- 8+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, state government, public policy, lobbying, healthcare advocacy, legislative affairs, or related fields.

- Proven success influencing legislative, regulatory, or public policy outcomes through strategic advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

- Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes and their impact on healthcare and business operations.

- Experience building and maintaining relationships with government officials, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

- Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.

- Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a highly matrixed, fast-paced organization and influence without direct authority.

- Knowledge of Medicaid programs and healthcare policy

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree in a related field.

- Experience with healthcare policy, Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, or health insurance regulation.

- Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid and Illinois state government.

- Established relationships with Illinois policymakers, regulators, and healthcare stakeholders.

- Experience managing external advocacy partners, including lobbying firms and trade associations.

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Additional Information

- Remote position in Springfield, IL area

- 25% travel

Work at Home Requirements: To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees’ ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or