Overview
External Affairs Director Jobs in Lake Charles, LA at Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Full Job Description
External Affairs Director
The External Affairs Director supports the nonprofit hospital’s mission by developing and managing relationships with government stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels. This position advocates for policies that enhance access to care, support community health initiatives, and secure public funding for hospital operations and charitable programs. The liaison acts as a conduit between hospital leadership and policymakers, ensuring the hospital’s voice is represented in legislative and regulatory decision-making.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
Monitor, analyze, and report on healthcare legislation and regulatory changes affecting nonprofit hospitals, particularly in areas such as Medicaid, uncompensated care, behavioral health, and health equity.
Draft policy summaries, advocacy materials, and official responses to proposed rules or legislation.
Advocacy & Government Engagement
Represent the hospital in meetings with legislators, public health agencies, and policymakers.
Coordinate legislative visits, advocacy days, and hospital tours for public officials.
Advocate for funding and support through programs like DSH (Disproportionate Share Hospital), 340B, and community benefit recognition.
Strategic Communication
Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for hospital executives and board members.
Communicate policy impacts to internal teams and help align operations with evolving regulations.
Partnerships & Coalitions
Collaborate with hospital associations, health collaboratives, and nonprofit coalitions to advance shared policy goals.
Build relationships with local government and community-based organizations to promote public health initiatives.
Foster positive relationships with potential donors of the LCMH Foundation.
Assist in provider recruitment related activities.
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure compliance with lobbying laws, including state and federal registration and disclosure requirements.
Maintain records of legislative contacts, issue tracking, and outcomes.
Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO or other representative.
The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Political Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum 7 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or healthcare policy—preferably with a focus on nonprofit or safety-net institutions.
Knowledge of the healthcare legislative and regulatory environment, especially for mission-driven hospitals.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills.
Commitment to health equity, social justice, and the mission of nonprofit healthcare.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is primarily sedentary in an office setting located off-site. Office hours are Monday through Friday during the day. May be required to work off shifts as needed, on weekends, or on holidays based on projects.
Title: External Affairs Director
Company: Lake Charles Memorial Health System
Location: Lake Charles, LA
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