Director, External Affairs

As one of the nation’s leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics and primary care practices in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children – even those who may never enter our doors – through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts. At Nemours, our Associates help us deliver on the promise we make to every family we have the privilege of serving: to treat their child as if they were our own.

We are currently seeking a Director of External Affairs for our location in Orlando, Florida. This position require up to 50% travel to include Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida, other locations based on need.

Reporting to the Chief Executive of Florida Operations, the Managing Director, External Affairs, provides leadership to Nemours external affairs activities and programs for Florida operations. The individual in this position will be primarily accountable to ensure that Nemours develops external relationships that position it as a prominent and influential organization in Florida and a respected voice at the table in deliberations affecting healthcare and children’s issues. This includes, but is not limited to, playing a pivotal role in positioning the organization with government, community, and business leaders in a manner that advances Nemours agenda.

In partnership with the CEO-FL, the Managing Director, External Affairs, develops strategic direction and provides recommendations on public policy matters involving federal, state, and local governments. The individual monitors legislative and regulatory matters and prepares organizational action plans, and develops and maintains professional relationships with key external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, elected officials, public administrators, community leaders, and business leaders. The Managing Director, External Affairs will collaborate effectively with Nemours Office of Policy and Prevention in Washington DC to ensure that the Florida agenda is synergistic with Nemours’ national agenda and that Florida concerns are optimally represented in Washington.
In addition, the Managing Director, External Affairs, assists operating units with local government relations to ensure Florida-wide policy and public affairs consistency, serves on internal committees to assist in developing and recommending organizational strategy in alignment with the current or emerging public policy environment, engages on matters involving the interplay of clinical, business, and public policy issues and projects, and represents the organization on community boards, trade associations, and committees in alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of Nemours.
The position also oversees the organization’s licensed lobbyists, including third party consultants, and serves as a collaborative partner and consultant as needed on matters involving public relations, including communications (external and internal) and media relations for Nemours locations within and outside the state of Florida.

Requirements

10 years of public policy or lobbying experience in Florida or the U.S. legislative or executive branch and/or in corporate government affairs.

Bachelor’s degree is required. Other advanced degrees are a plus.

Position will be based in Orlando, Florida.

Up to 50% travel, primarily within the state, especially to Tallahassee.

Our dedication to professionals who are dedicated to children frequently earns Nemours a spot on the list of top workplaces in the communities we serve. Our Associates enjoy comprehensive benefits, including our unique “Bridge to a Healthy Future” pediatric health plan, an integrated wellness program, opportunities for professional growth, and much more. As an equal opportunity employer, Nemours focuses on the best-qualified applicants for our openings.