Lead development of BCBSA national policy for interoperability and HIT, as well as the development of positions on issues representing the interest of BCBSA and the Blue Plans. Coordinate with BCBSA's Commercial Markets division to ensure a synchronized effort to assess current landscape, identify opportunities for engagement for BCBSA leadership, and implement a forward-thinking, comprehensive, coordinated, strategy.

Serve as an advisor to provide executive-level and direct counsel to BCBSA officers on health information technology (HIT) activities. Lead strategy development for BCBSA HIT-related policy initiatives across BCBSA divisions, including presentations to BCBSA's Policy Board Committee (HPAC). Develops proactive policy positions and strategies (in areas including HIT, interoperability, privacy, security) and raise the visibility of BCBSA and BCBS Plan initiatives with key policymakers and other influential individuals and organizations (e.g., trade associations, provider and consumer organizations, think takes, policy forums, researchers).

Oversees the development of written communications including legislative text, regulatory comments, policy issue papers, bill summaries and analyses, testimony, talking points, presentations, and external meetings synopses on assigned issue areas. Works closely with BCBSA senior executives, Plan executives, and Plan workgroups, to assure Plan business issues are represented in BCBSA positions.

Secure adequate Plan engagement in industry committees to maximize Blue representation and facilitate Plan meetings to address issues of common Plan concern with electronic health care transactions, including legislative and regulatory proposals. Represents BCBSA and Blue Plan representatives on federal advisory boards, commissions, and task forces relating to HIT, interoperability, privacy, and security. Develop and manage relationships with Plan policy and technical liaisons.

Develops and maintains key internal and external contacts, networks of contacts and effective working relationships to enhance knowledge of proposed legislation and regulation and to ensure the most effective collection and dissemination of information. Serves as liaison with regulatory representatives from other associations in the health sector.

Partner with other areas of Policy & Advocacy and the Association to leverage appropriate business forums and workgroups to 1) assess Plan impacts and 2) gain consensus for proposed policy recommendations. Demonstrate effective consensus building, with the ability to partner with multiple constituencies on strategic, complex and sensitive issues

Educates lobbying and other Association staff as necessary. Supports Administration outreach efforts by identifying opportunities to leverage BCBSA and Plan HIT, interoperability, standards development, privacy and security efforts, staying up to date on Administration priorities and opportunities for collaboration with HHS.

• Master's Degree in public policy, health policy or related field, or equivalent experience

• A minimum of ten years' related experience in health care policy analysis/formulation, health care law, insurance regulations, and/or healthcare plan operations

• Master's Degree in public policy, health policy or related field, or equivalent experience
• J.D., PhD in public policy, health policy or related field, or equivalent experience
• A minimum of ten years' related experience in health care policy analysis/formulation, health care law, insurance regulations, and/or healthcare plan operations
• Demonstrated understanding of health information technology systems and interoperability, with knowledge of health care delivery issues, policy development, laws and regulations
• Knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process and experience in communicating and writing comments to government agencies and/or other legislative bodies
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and approach to problem solving
• Demonstrates strong communication skills across multiple disciplines including policy, business, and clinical
• Sophisticated/strategic thinking to determine how best to influence decision/policy makers
• Superior facilitation, presentation, organizational, and verbal and written skills, with the demonstrated ability to work independently
• Extensive knowledge of health plan or health information technology and policy concerns
• Extensive knowledge of health plan privacy and security requirements and policy implications
• Ability to develop key business partnerships both internal and external
• Ability to draw upon extensive knowledge and relationships to identify and analyze issues and develop appropriate policy strategies and responses, demonstrating excellent judgment and analytical methodologies
• Demonstrated ability in setting and meeting objectives, while reacting within a growing and changing internal and external environment
• Analytical, planning and project management skills, as well as the ability to prioritize and shift multiple issues and projects without compromising quality results