Program Specialist, Sr. (Government Affairs)

Department(s): Government Affairs
Reports to: Sr Director (Federal and Local Government Affairs)
FLSA status: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade: I - $61,000 - $99,110

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:59 PM.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. 

About CalOptima Health

Are you looking for a career that changes lives? As the single largest health plan in Orange County, CalOptima Health serves one in three residents with health insurance programs for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Our 1,500 employees are valued for their individual perspectives and contributions and benefit from flexible work schedules, recognition and opportunities to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career supporting a meaningful mission, along with generous benefits and recognition, consider joining us at CalOptima Health!

About the Position

The Program Specialist Sr, Government Affairs will assist in the development, planning and execution of Government Affairs strategies, communications and activities to ensure elected officials maintain awareness of CalOptima Health's initiatives. In collaboration with CalOptima Health's Communications and Community Relations departments, the incumbent will help facilitate community meetings, events and media opportunities that include public officials and staff representing all levels of government. The incumbent will also prepare external facing materials and presentations on behalf of CalOptima Health's leadership and staff.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participates in a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
• Assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to engage, promote and socialize CalOptima Health initiatives and programs with elected officials through public forums and media events.
• Facilitates the coordination of communication materials for CalOptima Health's leadership, including but not limited to talking points, presentations and correspondence, to educate government and community officials regarding CalOptima Health's mission, strategic priorities, policy positions, projects, plans and other activities.
• Collaborates on both the development and dissemination of collateral materials to policymakers and thought leaders.
• Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials' staff, external organizations and community partners on behalf of the Government Affairs department.
• Responds to inquiries regarding event scheduling and assists with organizing Government Affairs content and involvement, as appropriate, including at in-person convenings and presentations.
• Participates as a representative of CalOptima Health at assigned events to develop and enhance government and community partnerships.
• Tracks, monitors and updates public affairs matrix and elected official distribution lists on a regular basis.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, communications, health care administration or related field required.
• 3 years of work experience in advocacy communications, public affairs and/or government relations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above is also qualifying.
• Have access to means of transportation for work away from the primary office approximately 20% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience in a health care environment.
• Experience working for a government entity and/or a large organization.
• Strategic planning and project management experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is required to move about the organization. Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time, as well as work at the computer for long periods. Employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse; must also be able to reach with hands and arms. Employee must be able to talk and hear, particularly for regular communication on the phone.

• Work Environment: Employee will work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled office temperatures.

About our Benefits & Wellness options:

At CalOptima Health, we know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance options, and paid time off. To support quality work-life balance, we allow flexible scheduling during core business hours, telework options for some positions, work schedules that allow every other Monday or Friday off (9/80 schedule), and a wellness program featuring diverse activities. Additionally, CalOptima Health contributes 4% of pensionable earnings to a 401(a) retirement program with no required employee contribution. Employees also have access to 457(b) retirement plans with pre/post-tax contribution options.

CalOptima Health is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff, where we will honor your unique experiences, identity, and perspectives. Our organization strives to create and maintain a workplace environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming so we can truly be Better Together.

CalOptima Health is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.