Senior Director, Government Relations - CA

InnovAge Holding Corp.; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 170,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

InnovAge is seeking a Senior Director, Regional Government Relations based in Sacramento to lead the government relations strategy for California and beyond, reporting to the SVP of External Affairs. The role focuses on shaping policy, building relationships with policymakers, and positioning InnovAge as a leader in senior care through proactive external communications.

You will supervise advocacy across federal, state, and local levels, monitor legislation, collaborate with operations, legal,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree/JD preferred for higher qualification.
• Proven ability to develop and execute government relations strategies.
• Strong understanding of federal and state policy processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute California government relations strategy.
• Advocate with legislators, regulators, and stakeholders on policy.
• Coordinate external affairs and manage public engagements.
• Ensure lobbying compliance across jurisdictions.
• Monitor legislative activity and report trends to leadership.

Skills

Government relations strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy analysis

Regulatory affairs

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Job description

The Senior Director, Regional Government Relations, will support the SVP of External Affairs at InnovAge in leading the government relations strategy and external communication efforts to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels. Based in Sacramento, this individual will lead all government relations efforts in the State of California and potentially additional states. This individual will develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy aimed at strengthening relationships with key policymakers, advancing public policy objectives, and positioning InnovAge as a thought leader in senior care. The Senior Director will also serve as the primary liaison between InnovAge and external stakeholders, including governmental agencies, industry associations, advocacy groups, and community leaders.

Responsibilities

• Government Relations Strategy:Assist the SVP of External Affairs in the development and execution of InnovAge’s government relations strategy at the federal, state, and local levels to promote the interests of the organization, particularly in the PACE program. Lead all government affairs efforts in the State of California and potentially other states.
• Advocacy:Engage with legislators, regulators, and key stakeholders to advocate for policies that support InnovAge’s strategic objectives and the PACE model of care. Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies that could impact the organization.
• External Affairs:Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, industry groups, and advocacy organizations. Coordinate strategic outreach efforts and manage key external events and public engagements.
• Policy Analysis & Compliance:Work closely with legal, compliance, and operations teams to analyze and interpret complex regulations affecting the PACE program. Ensure that all lobbying activities and external communications are in line with state and federal regulations.
• Crisis Management:Develop and implement crisis communication plans in response to legislative, regulatory, or reputational challenges. Collaborate with internal teams to respond effectively to external inquiries and issues.
• Leadership & Collaboration:Partner with the SVP of External Affairs & Regulatory Affairs and the executive leadership team to align government relations activities with InnovAge’s broader business objectives. Work cross-functionally with operations, legal, marketing, and clinical teams to ensure cohesive external messaging and positioning.
• Reporting & Metrics:Monitor the impact of government relations activities, and regularly report progress and outcomes to the executive team. Provide analysis on key legislative and regulatory trends affecting the business.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Percent of time Spent –30%

• Ability to travel as needed to attend meetings, conferences, and engage with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Health Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree or JD preferred.
• Experience:Minimum 10 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or advocacy, preferably within the healthcare sector.
• Skills:
  1. Proven ability to initiate, develop and execute government relations and external affairs strategies.
  2. Strong understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes.
  3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage external stakeholders.
  4. Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships with public officials, community leaders, and industry organizations.
  5. Experience in public policy analysis and the ability to synthesize legislative and regulatory issues for internal stakeholders.
  6. Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work across functional areas.
• Existing relationships with California federal and state policymakers, particularly those focused on senior healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• The position is remote and will not work from a physical corporate office.

InnovAge is dedicated to empowering seniors to live independently, allowing them to age in their own homes and communities safely. InnovAge offers an alternative to nursing homes through its Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which provides enrolled seniors with customized healthcare and social support at PACE Adult Day Health Centers. These centers are staffed by medical professionals who are committed to creating personalized care plans for each participant. At InnovAge, our team members are our greatest asset and have a significant impact on the lives of our participants every day. When you join InnovAge, you'll work alongside talented, respectful, and passionate colleagues within a patient-centered care model.

InnovAge is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, and we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified candidates for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or any other protected status. Salaries are determined by various factors such as qualifications, experience, and location, and do not include potential bonuses or benefits. Our extensive benefits package includes medical/dental/vision insurance, short and long-term disability, life insurance and AD&D, supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) savings, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

Applicants are considered until the position is filled.

$170,300 - $253,000

Compensation Disclaimer

The pay may vary depending on job related factors, such as work location, experience, knowledge, skills, education, certifications, training and internal equity. InnovAge offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan with company match, short and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, ADD, flexible spending account, paid time off and company paid holidays.

Attention Florida Applicants

This position requires a background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit the Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.