Lead External Relations Specialist

Position Purpose: Lead external relations activities in Kansas in accordance with Centene, health plan, government, and contractual guidelines. Develop and maintain relationships with legislators, county governments, associations, and other key stakeholders to monitor, influence, and advance healthcare policy.

Key Details: This hybrid Kansas-based role requires regular attendance at the Capitol Building in Topeka, KS during the legislative session and interim committees. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Government Affairs, Business Administration, Communications, Political Science, or a related field, plus 5+ years of government relations, legislative, or community relations experience. Ideal candidates will have Kansas legislative experience, strong political acumen, and the ability to independently identify and manage emerging legislative issues while building relationships across political lines. Healthcare or Medicaid experience is preferred, but not required.

In this Lead External Relations Specialist role, you will:

• •Develop and maintain key relationships with state legislative policymakers and healthcare advocates to enhance the business unit’s role as a partner with the state and to assist in shaping public policy initiatives.
• •Develop and lead opportunities with government or government-facing partners, including members, providers, and the community, to promote the health plan through various government-related events.
• •Receive and respond to inquiries from stakeholders, including legislators and community advocates and assist with responding to constituent issues.
• •Assess issues and risks that impact program priorities and negatively impact members or providers based upon knowledge gained from community partnerships; create and implement mitigation strategies.
• •Support strategic plan membership growth initiatives.
• •Assist in the management of the health plan’s contract lobbyist and coordinate work in conjunction with the state association to achieve public policy objectives.

Education/Experience:

• •Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Government Affairs, Business Administration, Communications, Political Science, or related field.
• •5+ years of government relations, legislative or community relations related experience.

Pay Range: $70,100.00 - $126,200.00 per year

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law , including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act