Details Department: External Communications Schedule: Full Time Monday - Friday 8-5pm CT Location: Remote Benefits Paid time off (PTO) Various health insurance options & wellness plans Retirement benefits including employer match plans Long-term & short-term disability Employee assistance programs (EAP) Parental leave & adoption assistance Tuition reimbursement Ways to give back to your community

Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance and salary range at the time of the offer. Responsibilities Job Summary:

Ascension is hiring a strategic, mission-aligned Public Affairs Director to join our External Communications team. This role will lead advocacy communications and drive engagement with policymakers, industry partners, and aligned stakeholders. The director will shape and amplify Ascension’s voice on critical healthcare policy issues, ensuring our values and priorities are clearly represented at the state and federal levels. This position reports to the Associate Vice President of External Communications. Responsibilities: Develop and execute public affairs strategies that elevate Ascension’s policy agenda and mission-driven work.

Manage Public Affairs communications team.

Craft clear, compelling messaging on critical issues, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, access to care, and healthcare affordability.

Support advocacy team with briefing documents, talking points, testimony, and stakeholder toolkits.

Collaborate with legal, communications, and external affairs colleagues to ensure message alignment across platforms.

Track policy developments, legislative activity, media narratives, and industry trends to guide timely and informed communications.

Lead earned and owned media strategies for policy-related campaigns and public education efforts.

Cultivate relationships with media, trade associations, think tanks, and advocacy organizations to amplify Ascension’s perspective. Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in public affairs, policy communications, or government relations.

A deep understanding of healthcare policy, nonprofit advocacy, and legislative processes.

Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible narratives.

Proven ability to work effectively with government officials, associations, and external partners.

A bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, political science, or a related field is required. Key Competencies: Advocacy Strategy and Messaging

Policy Fluency

Media and Stakeholder Engagement

Political Acumen

Cross-Departmental Alignment

Mission-Aligned Communication Why Join Us?

At Ascension, advocacy is an extension of care—ensuring that the voices of patients, caregivers, and communities are heard where it matters most. As Director of Public Affairs, you will be at the forefront of critical healthcare conversations, using your expertise to protect access, influence policy, and advance justice in healthcare. You will join a mission-driven organization with national reach, a legacy of compassion, and a deep commitment to those who need care the most. If you are passionate about values-based advocacy and want to shape policy that impacts millions, Ascension offers a powerful platform for meaningful and lasting change. Requirements Education: High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management. Additional Preferences #LI-Remote