Childrens Health Policy Program Director

Children's Mercy KC

Posted on: April 18, 2026

Closing: May 18, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Position Type: Other

Job Description

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Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

This position provides leadership for state and local government relations, setting advocacy priorities and guiding efforts to address legislative challenges. It includes developing research and policy analysis on major children's health care issues and fostering partnerships with internal stakeholders and external organizations to advance shared solutions. The role oversees monitoring of all legislation introduced in Missouri and Kansas that could affect the hospital and ensures timely communication with departments impacted by proposed policy changes. It also coordinates in hospital government relations activities, supports internal advocacy education, and manages the prioritization and pursuit of key legislative initiatives at the state and local levels.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

  • Lead advocacy efforts for state and local government issues; determining, prioritizing, and managing priority legislative advocacy issues and actively pursuing legislative solutions.
  • Develop research and analysis of pervasive children?s health care public policy issues and establish and facilitate collaborations with internal and external stakeholders when appropriate to pursue solutions.
  • Monitor all legislation filed in Missouri and Kansas that could impact the hospital. Communicate appropriately with hospital departments that would potentially be impacted by legislation.

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree (preferred) and 5-7 years experience Government relations, politics or related experience or
  • Bachelor's Degree and 7 or more years experience Government relations, politics or related experience

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $50.52/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.

Children's Mercy KC

Posted on: April 18, 2026

Closing: May 18, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Position Type: Other

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