Senior Vice President of Contracts & External Relations

Overview

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Position Overview:

The SVP of Contracts & External Relations plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization’s external partnerships and regulatory engagement. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the SVP will develop, oversee, and strengthen relationships with priority patient advocacy groups, state and county regulators, health plans, and New York State agencies. The role requires a dynamic leader who can foster trust, secure favorable contracts, and position the organization as a respected and best-in-class leader in health care delivery.

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key external stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, community stakeholders, public health officials, and regulatory bodies at the state and county levels.
• Serve as the organization’s primary liaison to government officials and agencies, ensuring compliance with regulations and proactive engagement on health care policy changes.
• Lead negotiations with payors, including health insurance companies, to secure favorable reimbursement rates and contract terms.

• Direct the negotiation, execution, and administration of high-value contracts with public and private payors, government agencies, and other strategic partners.
• Develop contracting strategies to optimize financial and operational outcomes while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management, ensuring timely renewals, amendments, and compliance tracking.

• Monitor and influence regulatory and policy developments at the state and county levels to align organizational strategies with external requirements.
• Advise senior leadership on potential regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to health care laws and regulations.

• Represent the organization at industry and community forums, legislative hearings, and health care policy discussions.
• Develop and execute strategies for engaging patient advocacy groups to support initiatives that foster trust and improve patient access, experience, and outcomes.
• Strengthen the organization's brand as a trusted health care leader through strategic communication and collaboration efforts.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team focused on contracts, external relations, and regulatory affairs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the department.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public health, health administration, or a related field required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of senior leadership experience in health care contracting, external relations, regulatory affairs, or a related function.
• Proven track record of successful contract negotiations with payors and government entities.
• Deep understanding of New York State health care regulations, policy landscape, and payer dynamics.
• Strong network within health care regulatory agencies, insurance payors, and patient advocacy groups.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance high-level vision with operational execution.
• Executive presence and leadership
• Strategic negotiation and conflict resolution
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement