Public Affairs Specialist Senior

How Is This Role Important to Our Work:

This role supports the work of the public affairs team to educate and engage partners on business and public policy issues that advance Blue Cross’ mission and strategic priorities. This position performsresearch and analysis on public policy proposals and communicates them engages internal and external partners, closely collaborating with the Director of Public Policy and Director of Government Relations!

A Day in the Life:

• Monitor state administrative and legislative activity, including task forces, committee hearings and boards and provide accurate written reports, keeping the public affairs team and key business partners updated. 
• Consult with internal business partners regarding introduced legislation, collect information and data to help determine BCBSMN’s position. 
• Engage internal partners, external partners and stakeholders, state and federal legislators and staff to identify win/win opportunities that movepolicy priorities forward while advancing BCBSMN business goals. 
• Serve as a contact for legislators and legislative staff and work with appropriate internal staff to resolve constituent or personal issues or questions related to Blue Cross. 
• Assist in development and dissemination of organization’s policy positions to legislators and other state elected officials using fact-based information, to advance the organization’s public affairs’ goals, at the direction of the Director of Government Relations.
• Conduct research and analysis on state and federal public policy issues and produce written communication to advance public policy goals, including policy papers, speeches, power points, fact sheets, talking points, research summaries etc. as directed. 
• Work with Public Affairs team to develop and distribute materials that provide useful information to legislators, regulators, and the public on issues affecting Blue Cross. 
• Assist in the coordination of public affairs initiatives, including grassroots programming, partner engagement meetings, and other special projects. 
• Run the Political Support Fund (PSF), including soliciting Blue Cross employee participation, handling the fund distribution and records, and assisting employees who have questions about their contributions. 
• Track and actively participate in committees of federal and state trade associations, as needed.

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor's / Masters degree in related field.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of related professional experience. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered. 
• Ability to analyze an issue from all points of view and remain nonpartisan. 
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in the fast-paced environment of legislative session. 
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement political strategies. 
• Exceptional public speaking and highly effective negotiation skills. 
• Strong knowledge of legislative and political issues in Minnesota. 
• Demonstrated research, writing, and editing skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with business partners, and cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines with a willingness to be part of a team working towards a common goal. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to express complex concepts in simple terms. 
• Ability to write understandable, concise, grammatically correct materials. 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 
• Demonstrated personal computer skills and the willingness to learn in the use of a suite of software tools (such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel).