Government and Community Relations Specialist

Neighborhood-Healthcare; Escondido (CA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighborhood Healthcare is seeking a Government and Community Relations Specialist to advance local policy priorities and strengthen relationships with city and county officials, health agencies, schools, and community groups. The role will lead outreach to residents and underserved populations and support advocacy efforts.

In a hybrid role, you will monitor legislation, draft briefs, organize events, and represent the organization at hearings and public forums.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, healthcare administration, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• 2 years experience in government relations, public affairs, community outreach, or a related field required
• Demonstrated experience engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations required
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Neighborhood Healthcare’s government relations strategy in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs
• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation affecting FQHCs, PACE programs, and community health
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and public health agencies
• Coordinate site visits, tours, and meetings with policymakers and government representatives
• Draft policy briefs and talking points to support advocacy efforts
• Represent Neighborhood Healthcare at public hearings and community forums
• Track and report advocacy activities and stakeholder engagement

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Public speaking

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, healthcare administration, or a related field

Equivalent experience (minimum four years) may be considered in lieu of a degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Government and Community Relations Specialist

Job Category: Growth and Partnerships

Requisition Number: GOVER004421

• Posted : October 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

ABOUT US

Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It’s about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision. A community where everyone is healthy and happy. We’re with you every step of the way, with the care you need for each of life’s chapters. At Neighborhood, we are Better Together.

Neighborhood Healthcare PACE is a managed medical plan built around surrounding participants with a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists and care coordinators to help them maintain good health and a good quality of life. Our goal is to keep our seniors happy and healthy at home surrounded by their family and community.

As a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization, we serve over 500k medical, dental, and behavioral health visits from more than 100,000 people annually. With two PACE centers located in Riverside County, our PACE program is positioned to serve over 650 senior participants.

ROLE OVERVIEW and PURPOSE

The Government & Community Relations Specialist supports Neighborhood Healthcare’s Government Relations & Community Outreach efforts, with a primary focus on advancing the organization’s priorities at the local level. This role contributes to developing and executing a government and community relations strategy that strengthens Neighborhood Healthcare’s presence and influence among key stakeholder groups.

This position is instrumental in cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships with city and county legislators, legislative aides, elected officials, public health agency leaders, business and healthcare industry representatives, school administrators, charitable organizations, and members of community planning groups. Additionally, the Specialist leads community outreach efforts to engage residents, local organizations, and underserved populations, ensuring that Neighborhood Healthcare remains responsive to community needs and visible in public forums.

Through proactive advocacy and outreach, this role ensures Neighborhood Healthcare is a trusted voice in local policy discussions and a valued partner in initiatives that promote the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Relations

• Support the development and execution of Neighborhood Healthcare’s government relations strategy in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs
• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and regulatory developments that impact FQHCs, PACE programs, and community health
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, public health agencies, and other government stakeholders
• Coordinate and facilitate site visits, tours, and meetings with policymakers and government representatives
• Draft policy briefs, talking points, and official correspondence to support advocacy efforts
• Represent Neighborhood Healthcare at public hearings, legislative sessions, and community forums
• Track and report on advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, and policy outcomes

Community Outreach

• Plan and implement outreach initiatives to engage community members, local organizations, and underserved populations
• Serve as a liaison between Neighborhood Healthcare and community groups, schools, nonprofits, and planning bodies
• Organize and participate in community events, health fairs, and public forums to promote awareness of Neighborhood Healthcare’s services and mission
• Identify opportunities to collaborate with local partners to address health equity and the social determinants of health
• Collect and share community feedback with internal teams to inform program development and advocacy priorities
• Ensure consistent messaging and visibility of Neighborhood Healthcare in community settings

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, healthcare administration, or a related field required; equivalent experience (minimum four years) may be considered in lieu of a degree
• 2 years experience in government relations, public affairs, community outreach, or a related field required
• Demonstrated experience engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations required
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Experience providing services or conducting communications with diverse populations
• Knowledge of governmental bodies and community-based organizations that impact the organization
• Experience planning and executing community engagement events or public forums
• Strong understanding of healthcare policy and community health systems
• Expert interpersonal, communication and presentation skillsStrong organizational, analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing and proofreading skills
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent planning and organizational ability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Ability to assess situations and independently develop a plan of action with a necessary sense of urgency
• Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner with all levels of staff and volunteers, including Board Members, Donors, internal managers and directors
• Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner
• Availability to work select nights and weekends when necessary
• Ability to drive and have reliable transportation to/from primary work site and any organizational events or meetings

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift/carry 10lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

COMPLIANCE (Safety & HIPAA)

• Follows all safety procedures as outlined in Neighborhood Healthcare’s Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP) and report any injuries and/or unsafe conditions immediately
• Maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices
• Uses appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment
• Familiarity with location of nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits
• Follows all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols
• Maintains privacy of all patients, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need-to-know basis for business purposes
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations
• Reports all behavior and/or activity that are unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful

Pay range: $73,500.00 to $104,400.00 annually, depending on experience.

Compensation Disclosure

The posted salary range reflects the designated pay grade for this position. While this range represents the broader classification of the role, actual compensation will be based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s overall knowledge, skills, and experience, market data and industry benchmarks, internal equity within the organization, Budgetary considerations and organizational needs. As a result, placement within the range is not guaranteed, and the full pay grade range may not be utilized.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.