Senior Secretary Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Whatever the role, everyone at Grady is part of something bigger. Choosing a career at Grady is choosing to be part of a legacy of service and commitment to our communities. If you want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.Job SummaryThe Associate Vice President, Government Affairs serves as a senior leader within Grady Health System's (GHS) Office of Health Policy and Government Affairs, with primary responsibility for developing and executing comprehensive government affairs strategy across state, federal, and municipal levels. This position advances the health system's legislative and regulatory priorities by building and managing high-impact relationships with legislators, agency officials, and key stakeholders at the Georgia General Assembly, the United States Congress, and the City of Atlanta. The AVP provides strategic counsel to executive leadership, serves as a principal external advocate for Grady Health System, and oversees a portfolio of policy priorities aligned with the organization's mission, financial sustainability, and community health commitments.I. State Government Affairs — Georgia General AssemblyDevelops and executes Grady's annual state legislative strategy, aligning advocacy priorities with the health system's operational, financial, and policy objectives.Serves as Grady's principal registered lobbyist before the Georgia General Assembly, leading all direct engagement with members of the Senate and House of Representatives, committee chairs, and legislative leadership on matters affecting the health systemBuilds and sustains a comprehensive portfolio of legislative relationships across both chambers, with particular emphasis on the Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees, and leadership officesDevelops and manages Grady's annual state legislative agenda, coordinating internally with finance, legal, clinical operations, and communications to identify, prioritize, and advance legislative and appropriations prioritiesMonitors, analyzes, and provides real-time reporting on Georgia General Assembly activity including bill filings, committee action, floor votes, and budget developments affecting hospital funding, Medicaid policy, certificate of need (CON) law, scope of practice, and related healthcare regulationDrafts and presents testimony, formal comment letters, talking points, and legislative summaries for legislative proceedings, agency rulemaking, and state budget deliberationsManages Grady's relationship with contracted state lobbyists and external government affairs consultants, providing strategic direction and accountability for deliverablesCultivates and maintains working relationships with the Governor's Office, Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), and other executive branch agencies critical to Grady's operations and fundingRepresents Grady's policy positions in external coalitions, including the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), safety-net hospital workgroups, and provider advocacy coalitions, serving in leadership roles where appropriateCoordinates Grady's participation in GHA advocacy days, interim committee hearings, and state agency stakeholder meetings throughout the legislative interimII. Federal Government Affairs — United States CongressLeads the development and execution of Grady's federal legislative and regulatory advocacy strategy, with focus on congressional engagement, federal funding preservation, and regulatory positioning.Serves as Grady's primary point of contact for the Georgia congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators and Representatives, building sustained relationships with members and senior staff on the relevant committees of jurisdiction (Senate Finance, HELP; House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Appropriations)Develops and implements Grady's annual federal legislative agenda, encompassing Medicaid and Medicare policy, 340B Drug Pricing Program, ACA marketplace policy, federal appropriations, and other issues material to the health system's mission and financial operationsCoordinates congressional briefings, site visits, and delegation engagements, preparing executive leadership and clinical subject matter experts for high-stakes meetings with members of Congress and federal agency officialsMonitors, analyzes, and interprets federal legislative and regulatory activity including congressional budget reconciliation, proposed CMS rulemaking, HRSA guidance, and executive action with material impact on safety-net hospitals and Grady operationsDrafts and coordinates submission of formal comments, letters, and testimony to federal agencies and congressional offices, including CMS, HRSA, HHS Office of the Secretary, and relevant appropriations subcommitteesManages Grady's engagement with national advocacy organizations including America's Essential Hospitals (AEH), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and other federal coalitions, serving in leadership and working group roles as appropriateCoordinates with Grady's federal lobbying counsel, providing strategic direction, managing deliverables, and ensuring alignment with the health system's policy and communications positionsPrepares executive-level briefing materials, one-pagers, and policy analyses for use in congressional engagement, including materials tailored for Senate Budget Committee and Finance Committee staff on Medicaid financing and uncompensated care policyTracks federal appropriations relevant to Grady, including Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allotments, graduate medical education (GME) funding, community health center grants, and public health emergency authoritiesIII. Municipal Government Affairs — City of AtlantaManages Grady's strategic engagement with the City of Atlanta administration and City Council, advancing priorities related to public health, economic development, community investment, and the health system's role as an anchor institution.Serves as Grady's primary liaison to the Mayor's Office, City Council members and staff, and relevant City of Atlanta departments, including the Departments of Public Health, Planning, and Community DevelopmentDevelops and advances Grady's municipal policy agenda, with emphasis on neighborhood reinvestment, housing and social determinants of health, public safety and EMS coordination, and economic development alignmentManages Grady's engagement with the Atlanta City Council on matters requiring City action, approval, or partnership, including resolutions, budget priorities, and public health initiativesServes as a strategic advisor to executive leadership for meetings and presentations before the Mayor, City Council, and Atlanta-area elected officials, developing briefing materials, talking points, and one-page summaries as neededCoordinates Grady's participation in City-convened task forces, working groups, and public engagement processes relevant to the health system's community health strategy and capital expansion plansManages relationships with the Atlanta Regional Commission, Fulton and DeKalb County commissions, and other regional governmental bodies on matters intersecting with Grady's service area and strategic prioritiesIdentifies opportunities to align Grady's community benefit activities, workforce development programs, and capital investments with City and County policy priorities, facilitating partnership development with municipal officialsIV. Strategic Leadership & Cross-Functional ResponsibilitiesProvides strategic counsel to the Chief Health Policy Officer and executive leadership team on government affairs trends, legislative risk, and policy opportunities across all jurisdictionsSupervises and mentors government affairs staff, contractors, and interns, fostering professional development and a high-performance team culturePartners with communications, finance, legal, and clinical operations teams to ensure government affairs activities are integrated with organizational strategy and aligned with Grady's public messagingDevelops and maintains a government affairs dashboard and reporting cadence, providing regular updates to the Chief Health Policy Officer and, as appropriate, to the Grady Board of DirectorsRepresents Grady on external boards, committees, and coalitions as assigned, including healthcare association policy committees and community advisory groupsPerforms other duties as assigned by the Chief Health Policy OfficerQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's in Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration or related fieldMaster's degree preferred.State of Georgia Lobbyist Registration (active or ability to obtain upon hire)Valid Driver's LicenseDemonstrated ability to develop and execute multi-jurisdictional government affairs strategyExceptional written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level briefings, congressional testimony, and public comment lettersStrong understanding of Georgia Medicaid, CON law, hospital reimbursement policy, and federal healthcare financing programsEstablished relationships within the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor's Office, and/or Georgia congressional delegationFamiliarity with America's Essential Hospitals, AHA, and national safety-net advocacy landscapeExperience managing external lobbyists and government affairs vendorsCore CompetenciesThese competencies reflect the values and behaviors expected of all Grady team members, regardless of role. They ensure that every employee contributes to safe, high-quality care, positive patient experience, and a collaborative work environment.1. Patient-Centered Care – Demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their families.2. Integrity & Accountability – Acts ethically, maintains confidentiality, and accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.3. Collaboration & Teamwork – Builds positive relationships, works effectively across departments, and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.4. Communication – Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and leadership.5. Respect & Inclusion – Creates an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, treating others with dignity, and ensuring equitable care and opportunities for all.6. Quality & Safety – Adheres to best practices, regulatory standards, and policies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality outcomes.7. Adaptability & Resilience – Responds effectively to change, remains flexible in dynamic situations, and demonstrates resilience under pressure.8. Continuous Improvement – Seeks opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes through innovation, learning, and feedback.9. Leadership & Professionalism – Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams while modeling professionalism, fairness, and transparency.10. Employee Experience Focus – Champions a supportive and engaging employee journey that enables staff to thrive and, in turn, deliver exceptional patient care.Grady Total RewardsAt Grady, we believe in supporting the health, well-being, and growth of every team member. Our Total Rewards package is designed to provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that make a difference in your life and career, including:Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.Financial Security: Retirement savings plans with employer contributions, life insurance, and disability coverage.Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and family leave benefits.Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and opportunities for advancement.Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and discounts on services.Grady’s Total Rewards are designed to ensure our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, both at work and beyond.Why Join Grady?Grady Health System is more than a hospital — we are a vital part of Atlanta and the surrounding communities. For over 125 years, Grady has been committed to providing exceptional care, advancing health equity, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. When you join Grady, you become part of a team that values excellence, compassion, innovation, and collaboration.Here, every role matters. Whether you provide direct patient care, support our operations, or lead teams, you play an important part in fulfilling our mission. We offer opportunities to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in an environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.At Grady, we don’t just work, we make an impact.Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:Grady Health System is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.Grady is dedicated to creating an accessible work environment and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equitable opportunities for success. #J-18808-Ljbffr