External Affairs Advisor

Connect for Health Colorado; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect for Health Colorado is seeking an External Affairs Advisor to guide external engagement and policy strategy from its Denver location. You will work with senior leadership and a broad network of officials and advocacy groups to advance strategic priorities and program goals.

The role emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication across diverse audiences, with a flexible schedule and potential non-traditional hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, public health, health policy, political science, social science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with stakeholder engagement and ACA/health insurance exchanges knowledge.
• Familiarity with Connect for Health Colorado’s stakeholder organizations.

Responsibilities

• Represent the organization externally at stakeholder meetings, coalitions, and government forums for senior leadership.
• Coordinate government and legislative relations programs with CEO and Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer.
• Help lead development and implementation of external relations strategy.
• Track legislative developments and prepare leaders for meetings and policy positions.
• Prepare talking points, briefs, presentations, and recommendations for executives.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy knowledge

Public speaking

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Connect for Health has a great opportunity for an External Affairs Advisor

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. Our mission is to increase access, affordability, and choice for individuals and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Position Summary

The External Affairs Advisor, under general direction from the Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, advises executives on external issues and relationships. This position leads organizational engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders, including elected officials and advocacy organizations, to advance C4HCO strategic goals and policy and programmatic priorities.

Position Responsibilities

• Represent the organization externally, attending stakeholder meetings, coalitions, government meetings, and other forums on behalf of senior leadership.
• Facilitate local, county, state, and federal government and legislative relations programs in coordination with CEO and Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer.
• Participate in and help lead development and implementation of C4HCO external relations strategy.
• Track legislative and political developments; help determine engagement strategies; prepare leaders for meetings; and coordinate organizational policy positions with Leadership and the Board.
• Prepare talking points, stakeholder profiles, meeting briefs, issue summaries, presentations, and recommendations for the CEO or other executives.
• Serve as staff lead and facilitator for the organization’s Board Advisory Group.
• Maintain existing relationships and establish new partnerships to advance strategic goals and policy priorities, while tracking growth and impact of these partnerships.
• Inform strategic communications and public messaging by identifying and sharing key insights and needs from external stakeholders.
• Assist and advise key leadership groups, including the C4HCO Executive Leadership Team and C4HCO Board of Directors and associated committees.
• Represent government relations in monthly internal leadership meetings.
• Analyze both quantitative and qualitative data and insights to inform organizational strategic decision-making.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, public health, health policy, political science, social science, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including stakeholder engagement and thorough knowledge and understanding of key components of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and health insurance exchanges.
• Familiarity with Connect for Health Colorado’s stakeholder organizations.
• Committed team player with exceptional interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated experience and success in facilitation, collaboration, and coordination of key stakeholder discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively while applying sound business judgment and quantitative analytics.
• Experienced and comfortable speaking in public and presenting to large groups.
• Ability to juggle and communicate diverse internal and external stakeholder perspectives.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple, complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, and a positive attitude.
• Spanish-speaking candidates encouraged to apply.
• Currently working remotely.
• The Connect for Health Colorado office is in the North Tech Center area of Denver, near the intersection of I-25 and I-225.
• The work schedule may include some non-traditional hours, weekends, and evening events.
• Core office hours are typically 8 am-5 pm with some flexibility.

Total Compensation

Connect for Health Colorado offers a competitive benefits package. Employees are offered a robust benefits package and may elect from various offerings to tailor a package best suited to their individual needs. Connect for Health Colorado employees are eligible to participate in the organization’s 403(b) plan and are additionally provided with paid time off, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance. The salary of this position is $79,310 - $99,910 per year.

Connect for Health Colorado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Connect for Health Colorado may, at its discretion, conduct a background check on any workforce member and/or require job candidates to successfully complete a background check as a condition of employment.

Application Deadline

This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days* or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. *Post date: 09/03/2026