Remote New

Director, Public & Government Affairs

Delta Dental of California
$140,700 - $305,000
dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), employee discount
United States, California
Apr 28, 2026
JOB DESCRIPTION The Director of Public & Government Affairs (PGA) leads, mentors, and develops the strategy by which PGA's regional advocates will drive a national conversation around oral health care by tracking, analyzing, summarizing and recommending positions on proposed state legislation and regulation in concert with the retained state lobbyist team. The director oversees all state advocacy, leveraging our team of lobbyists to promulgate, amend or oppose proposed legislation and regulation affecting Enterprise networks, growth prospects and regulation and seeking opportunities to elevate our position as a thought leader in health care. The director will distill insights and trends from a wide variety of signals throughout all our regions and recommend strategies and initiatives to allow the enterprise to more proactively address risks and opportunities. As a leader in our division, the director works closely with the Legal Division's Senior Leaders and directors to promote collaboration between departments, enhance the division's culture and socialize the work of the regional advocacy team. RESPONSIBILITIES Partner with the VP to influence the national advocacy agenda with the Delta Dental Plans Association Strategic Advisory Committee based on insights from our regional model. Develops a strategy, manages execution through regional advocates and strategizes with industry trade groups (e.g., NADP. CADP, the Maryland Alliance) to bolster effectiveness of advocacy in enterprise states. Based on the oral health care strategy set by the ELT, and the goals set by the VP of Public and Government Affairs, develop and execute a nationwide legislative and reputation strategy that highlights Delta Dental of California and Affiliates as an oral health leader with key elected officials and stakeholders. Develops and mentors the regional advocacy team to grow in their roles, increasing their effective management of the state lobbyists, leveraging technology to gain greater insights, demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset for their region, and collaborating with leaders across the enterprise and within the division to ensure the function provides best in class advocacy on behalf of the enterprise. As a divisional leader, fosters development across the division and drives cultural adoption of our people strategy and leadership skill sets serving as a mentor on approaching key stakeholders and external constituents. Through the data and insights from the regional advocates, pro-actively scan the environment for key policy matters as they "bubble up" or trends in the civic /social, business and government spaces to ensure the enterprise and ELT is proactively aware of any pending regulatory or reputational risks and demonstrate the ability to recommend priorities and strategies informed by external trends and insights. Provide external insight for the enterprise to contextualize the trends and opportunities and decode the external environment into the enterprise by leveraging various leadership forums to educate our enterprise leadership. Serve as a thought leader in the legislative and regulatory community and a leadership escalation point for the regional advocates to drive a greater conversation in oral health through our enterprise states. Develops metrics and reports for management and executive management use. Develops and implements program plans including scope, resource requirements, new program ideas, best practice protocols, and communications. Creates and establishes program goals, objectives, and deliverables to reflect program vision, while working in partnership with cross-functional teams. Other duties as requested or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of 12 years of related experience with Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience managing teams. At least 3 years working for, or with, a state legislature. Familiarity with how to hire, work with and direct lobbyists for the advancement of a healthcare organization. Excellent organizational/time management and project management skills and multi-tasking abilities. Excellent communication skills, including effective written, oral and presentation skills necessary to effectively convey information to and/or influence a wide range of audiences, including all levels within the enterprise, as well as third parties. Ability to establish and maintain non-adversarial, productive relationships with key lawmakers, regulators, alliance partners and counterparts from competitor organizations. Excellent people leadership skills, both to navigate HR policies and procedures, and to mentor and develop staff towards advancement in the government relations profession; Ability to build and manage a strong effective team. Ability to perform both process and data-driven structured analysis techniques and make recommendations and decisions in ambiguous circumstances in alignment with enterprise strategies. Knowledge of broad health care industry issues. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation and strategic thinking skills. Ability to allocate and re-allocate work to ensure strategic outcomes and set achievable goals and measures to guide the function. Licenses Paralegal or Licensed Attorney preferred, but not required Base Pay Information The national base pay range at the end is a good-faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental's assessment of the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity. Pay Grade 25.$140,700 - $305,000 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Behind the smile! We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of our employees and their loved ones. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life-changing rewards package includes: Competitive base and incentive pay 401(k) with robust matching and non-matching contributions Rich medical & pharmacy benefits 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities Employee discount program Fair Chance Ordinances and Criminal Background Considerations This position requires that the applicant undergo a background check. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state or local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or New York Corrections Law Article 23-A. Important Work Authorization Information Please note, Delta Dental will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. #LI-Hybrid ABOUT THE TEAM At Delta Dental, we're behind millions of smiles and counting. For over 68 years, we've served our communities by increasing access to affordable, quality care - but that commitment to care extends beyond the people we serve, to the dedicated employees who make those smiles genuine. We've come this far by building fair programs that offer opportunities for advancement, create meaningful connections and improve the lives of our employees and their families. Because we know that when we take exceptional care of each other, we can make a positive impact for all. We champion an inspirational workplace through our commitment to trust, service, excellence and innovation. Joining us means working for a company that offers stability and balance, opportunities for leadership at all levels, and a work environment focused on teamwork and camaraderie. Discover the smiling faces behind Delta Dental and experience our values and culture in action by connecting with us on social media. Follow Delta Dental Ins. on Facebook and Instagram, #LifeatDDins on Facebook and Instagram, Delta Dental Ins. on Twitter and Delta Dental Ins. on LinkedIn. If you've got an appetite for innovation and want to be a part of a team that's transforming the future of health care, join us! Since 1955, we have offered comprehensive, high-quality oral health care benefits to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country. The Delta Dental of California network includes affiliates Delta Dental Insurance Company; Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; Delta Dental of the District of Columbia; Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; and Delta Dental of West Virginia, providing dental benefits to more than 31 million people across 15 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The company and its affiliates are part of Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), a not-for-profit national association based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Through our national network of Delta Dental companies, we offer dental coverage in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. We offer vision coverage through DeltaVision in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, we deliver benefits to more Americans than any other dental insurance company. Delta Dental Ins. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Individuals seeking employment at Delta Dental are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, actual or perceived physical or mental disability, registered domestic partner status, caregiver status, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected category. Delta Dental is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, we have adopted and maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Harassment-Free Work Environment Policy, and Respectful Workplace policies and will not tolerate violations of these policies. Unfortunately, our Delta Dental Enterprise is unable to hire individuals residing in Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) or other US Territories at this time. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Delta Dental includes: Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and Delta Dental of New York If You Are A Current Employee Click Here* To Apply