Government & Community Relations Manager

ABOUT US:

For over 40 years, Cheshire Home has been helping young adults with spinal cord injuries and neurological impairments regain independence after a traumatic event. We have quickly become New Jersey’s leading provider for short-term rehabilitation. Our 35-bed facility provides specialized nursing care, mental health and emotional support, physical and occupational therapies, vocational and education programs, dietary assistance, transportation, recreation trips, parties and so much more!

Come join our team that empowers young adults to reclaim their maximum level of independence while celebrating staff success and professional development.

What Will You Do:

The Government & Community Relations Manager serves as a strategic advocate and relationship-builder for our nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with spinal cord injuries. This position is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through government affairs, legislative engagement, community partnerships, and strategic advocacy.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the healthcare and nonprofit landscape, established political and community connections, and the ability to identify opportunities that strengthen the organization's long-term sustainability. Working closely with executive leadership and external stakeholders, this individual will help navigate funding opportunities, influence public policy, expand community partnerships, and position the organization for future growth.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as the organization's primary liaison with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with local, state, and federal representatives.
• Collaborate with lobbyists and advocacy partners to advance legislative priorities that benefit the organization and the spinal cord injury community.
• Monitor proposed legislation, regulations, and policy changes that may impact operations, funding, or resident services.
• Provide strategic guidance to leadership on government initiatives and advocacy opportunities.

Strategic Funding & Policy Development

• Identify public funding opportunities, appropriations, grants, and legislative initiatives that support organizational growth.
• Advise executive leadership on reimbursement trends, Medicaid/Medicare initiatives, and other funding mechanisms.
• Research and recommend innovative strategies to diversify revenue streams and secure sustainable funding.
• Bridge knowledge gaps by identifying opportunities and challenges that may not otherwise be visible to leadership.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, referral sources, advocacy organizations, universities, nonprofits, and community leaders.
• Represent the organization at public meetings, conferences, networking events, and legislative sessions.
• Foster partnerships that increase awareness of the organization's mission and services.
• Develop initiatives that position the organization as a leader in spinal cord injury care and advocacy.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding healthcare trends, political developments, and community opportunities.
• Recommend initiatives that strengthen organizational visibility, influence, and impact.
• Assist in developing long-term strategic plans related to advocacy, partnerships, and organizational expansion.
• Participate in board meetings and strategic planning sessions as requested.

What We Are Seeking:

· Bachelor’s degree required, Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Healthcare Administration, Political Science, Business, or related field preferred.

· Minimum of 7 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, lobbying, or community relations.

· Demonstrated network of relationships with elected officials, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community stakeholders.

· Strong understanding of healthcare reimbursement, nonprofit funding structures, and legislative processes.

· Experience collaborating with lobbyists, advocacy organizations, and government agencies.

· Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

· Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships that produce measurable organizational outcomes.

· Knowledge of long-term care, rehabilitation, disability services, or spinal cord injury programs is highly preferred.

Why Join Us:

• Competitive Wages
• Great place to work
• Work Life Balance
• Awards & Recognition
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $1.00

Pay: $43.36 - $54.19 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Family leave
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Infectious Disease
• Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine
• Wound Care

Physical Setting:

• Acute care
• Long term care
• Nursing home
• Rehabilitation center

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Government Affairs: 7 years (Required)
• Public Policy : 7 years (Required)
• Government & Community Relations: 7 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Florham Park, NJ