Director, Government Relations (Jobs)

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

Job Title : Director, Government Relations (Jobs)

Department : Government Relations

Reports to : Senior Director, Government Relations

Location : Remote, Work from Home

Direct Reports : 0

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000

Date : March 1, 2024

Position Overview : The director will collaborate with the senior director to establish and maximize employment services provider funding partnerships for Best Buddies Jobs.

The director researches and responds to opportunities, cultivates internal and external relationships, and provides technical support, training, and analysis to maximize government funding partnerships.

Job Requirements Qualified applicants must have the following :

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years’ experience securing or managing government contracts, preferably Vocational Rehabilitation and Medicaid Waiver provider contracts
• Flexible and strong work ethic with a sincere interest in the Best Buddies mission
• An interest and an ability to work independently and on a team
• Excellent project management skills - including planning, research, analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Outstanding attention to detail, including the ability to review and edit complex materials and interpret them for others
• Excellent written / verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• An ability to manage workflow on multiple projects simultaneously, maintain organization, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel nationally and work evenings and weekends as necessary to accomplish job responsibilities

Job Duties include, but are not limited to :

Development

• Research the disability and employment climate and disability employment provider operations in each state to strategize the expansion of Best Buddies Jobs.
• Provide expert advice to vice president and senior directors on prospects for provider funding opportunities for states launching the competitive integrated employment program.
• Work with the deputy director to ensure accurate completion of provider applications and renewals to Vocational Rehabilitation, developmental disability agencies, state Medicaid agencies, managed care organizations, and other government entities.
• Assign duties and manage staff adherence related to deadlines relating to applications / renewals, reports, and provider recredentialing.
• Communicate with other departments to secure information needed for government work on proposals, reporting, and contract renewals.
• Lead vetting meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation and other agencies as requested.
• Support the senior director with Best Buddies Jobs revenue and billing analysis and projections to assist states with sustaining operations and strategizing growth (increasing staff, services, or geographical area served).
• Work with the senior director to support Best Buddies Jobs staff, their supervisors, and state directors in each state office to fulfill requirements and make the most of their government agency partnerships.
• Attend provider orientation, training, and other provider meetings with state staff to support the referral and billing processes and provider requirements.

Operations

• Create and / or edit reports for government funds; when necessary, provide meaningful feedback to state staff regarding program reports.
• Create and provide training, speaking points, and templates to field staff regarding government relations and employment provider funding.
• Collaborate with Jobs staff and their supervisors to understand challenges related to government funding partnerships and work with the senior director to develop solutions.
• Provide support with maintaining compliance as an Employment Network under the Social Security Administration’s Ticket Program Agreement.
• Work closely with the senior director and state operations and programs staff to provide any training, technical assistance, or support to prepare for site visits or contract monitoring.
• Additional duties and projects as assigned.

Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M / F / V / PWD / PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission.

Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.#CB