Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Req ID: R0003700

Career Area: Strategy & External Affairs

Date Posted: 07/13/2023

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is one of the most recognized and trusted health care brands in the world with 2.5 million members. We’re committed to reinventing health care to improve health for our members and the community. We hope you'll join us.

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 performs research 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!

• 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.
• 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.
• Engage internal partners, external partners and stakeholders, state and federal legislators and staff to identify win/win opportunities that move policy priorities forward while advancing BCBSMN business goals.
• Assist in the coordination of public affairs initiatives, including grassroots programming, partner engagement meetings, and other special projects.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Track and actively participate in committees of federal and state trade associations, as needed.
• Consult with internal business partners regarding introduced legislation, collect information and data to help determine BCBSMN’s position.

• Exceptional public speaking and highly effective negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated research, writing, and editing skills.
• 5+ years of related professional experience. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines with a willingness to be part of a team working towards a common goal.
• Strong knowledge of legislative and political issues in Minnesota.
• 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 interpersonal skills for working with business partners, and cross-functional teams.
• 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).
• Ability to analyze an issue from all points of view and remain nonpartisan.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement political strategies.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in the fast-paced environment of legislative session.

• Bachelor's / Masters degree in related field.

Make A Difference

Blue Cross is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability: If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

All roles require a high school diploma (or equivalency) and legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.