Staff Counsel (Contracting and Public Affairs)

All about us

You likely know us as an insurance company, but that’s just a portion of what we do. Hundreds of thousands of North Dakotans trust us to provide them with personalized service and unmatched access to care. It’s a mission we take seriously.

 

We also work with entities throughout the state to challenge the cost and complexity of health care in North Dakota. This uncompromising goal requires caring, innovative people who are ready and willing to help create a new level of health and well-being in North Dakota and beyond.

 

Work environment

This opportunity is eligible for an in-office, hybrid or remote work arrangement based out of our Bismarck, ND or Fargo, ND office locations or within driving distance of Bismarck, ND. This position has some travel involved within the community and will spend time at the State Capitol building during the North Dakota Legislative Session. 

This position is eligible for internal and external applications.

 

Pay Information

• Pay Level: 025
• FLSA Category: Exempt – Salaried
• Individual pay will be based on skills, experience, qualifications, location, internal equity, and other relevant factors.
• This position is eligible to participate in the company’s annual incentive program.
• Opportunities for continued salary growth through a performance-based merit program.

 

A day in the life

The Staff Counsel is responsible for providing professional legal support affecting the company, its administrative and operational departments, and its affiliated companies. This position reviews regulations, contracts, assesses legal risk in contracts and health insurance issues, and provides legal guidance and interpretations.

In addition, during the North Dakota Legislative Session, this role’s main responsibilities will be providing support in the areas of issue tracking, stakeholder mapping, and material development as it relates to public affairs and government relations. This position assists in the administration and coordination of federal, state, and regulatory policy; stakeholder advocacy; and state and federal political action committee fundraising.

 

Your Staff Counsel responsibilities will include

• Provides expert and timely legal support in assigned areas to all departments of the company and its affiliates in a manner that enhances ongoing operations while protecting the interests of the corporation, including, but not limited to, the review and interpretation of state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and case law.
• Reviews and interprets state and federal statutes and regulations that impact the corporation, including identifying areas of potential legal liability, investigating facts and operational systems considering legal and regulatory requirements, reviewing policies and law applicable to business operations, and drafting and communicating effective solutions or responses as necessary.
• Provides legal support and review of contracts utilized for business operations including drafting, reviewing, and commenting on complex agreements. Reviews proposed state and federal statutes and regulations.
• When necessary, acts as an intermediary between the corporation and regulators and other outside parties including federal and state agencies, auditors, and customer consultants and representatives.
• Performs work under direct supervision. Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

 

Your responsibilities during Legislative session will include

• Creates content for a variety of communication materials such as website creation and maintenance, presentations, letters, agenda items, interoffice communications, reports, charts, and other materials, as requested.
• Conducts research and supports policy/legislation tracking as it relates to federal, state, and regulatory policy. Documents and organizes bills that may impact the organization.
• Prepares materials for providing legislative testimony to appropriate stakeholders and committees regarding the company’s position.
• Assists in the administration of state political action committee, which includes but not limited to: preparing and distributing educational materials, maintaining records and audits for funds, and coordinating events.
• Develops a fundraising and employee engagement plan for political action committee.
• Participates in special projects and strategic planning activities. Performs research, collects data, and prepares information, as requested.
• Collaborates with internal subject matter experts in various departments to analyze the implications of policy and legislative proposals.
• Identifies, analyzes, and tracks legislative, regulatory, and other state government policy initiatives that may impact organizational operations.
• Discusses support of policy initiatives with federal and state agencies and elected officials.
• Completes research and provides recommendations with regard to pending legislation that may impact organizational operations. May coordinate with external lobbyists.
• Performs work under minimal supervision. Handles complex issues and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff.
• Coaches and mentors department staff and collaborates with leadership to support strategic goals within the team.

 

What you need to succeed

• A Juris Doctorate degree.
• At least 1 year of experience in practicing law in a law firm or corporate legal department, with some experience in public relations, government affairs, communications, project management, regulatory analysis, fundraising, or related experience.
• Dynamic and adaptable communication skills for varying audiences with the ability to build and maintain relationships with those inside and outside of the organization.
• Take a consultative approach when working with internal stakeholders on contracts.
• Desire to collaborate, but also have the aptitude to work independently.
• Ability to manage projects with varying deadlines, some with quick turnaround times.
• Research and formal writing skills with attention to the details.

 

Equivalent combination of education, experience or training determined to be acceptable by Human Resources may be substituted, unless regulated by contract or program standards

 

Benefits and perks

• Wellness incentives including well-being lifestyle spending accounts, employee assistance program and employee discounts.
• Encouraged paid time off including paid holidays and flexible holidays to use as you wish.
• 16 hours of paid volunteer time with a $200 donation to a charity of your choice upon completion of all volunteer hours.
• Employee recognition, community initiative events and yearly company outings.
• Workplace flexibility offering different options for working arrangements and the freedom to make time for important commitments.
• Our core benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability and paid parental leave.

 

Equal opportunity employment

Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individual with Disabilities, as well as Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.

For questions, please email careers@bcbsnd.com.

This job posting will be closed 11/20/2024 at 8:00 a.m. (CT). No further applications will be considered.