Vice President of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor

The Vice President of Public Affairs and Senior Advisor serves as UVM Health’s most senior leader responsible for public affairs, including external and internal communications, media relations, government relations, regulatory affairs, policy leadership, and community relations. This role integrates the functions listed above to advance UVM Health’s mission of delivering high-quality, accessible and affordable health care across Vermont and Northern New York.

The Vice President operates with a public and community-service mindset, grounding all work in the interests and needs of patients and communities while building durable trust with lawmakers, state and local officials, regulators, partners, employees, clinicians, and the public. As a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership, this role provides candid, unvarnished counsel on decisions with material reputational, political, policy, regulatory, or community consequences, before those decisions are made. 

The Vice President oversees plainspoken, transparent communications that reflect how patients, employees, and communities experience UVM Health, acknowledging setbacks and progress alike.

Through direct engagement with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders, the Vice President develops policy and advocacy strategies rooted in data and patient impact, positioning the UVM Health system as both a leader and a responsible community partner.

The Vice President leads and mentors a multidisciplinary Public Affairs Team, embedding first principles of transparency, trust, and service into daily practice.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in health care or health care policy related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 15 years’ experience in public affairs, health care policy, government relations, communications, or a related field, with at least 5 years at a senior leadership level in a complex, highly regulated organization. Health care experience is strongly preferred.

WORK ARRANGEMENT

The work inherent in this role requires that the incumbent reside in the region served by UVM Health. With a primary office located in South Burlington, Vermont, regular travel across VT and northern NY locations will be expected. Relocation assistance may be considered.