Director – State Policy (Northeast)

at  PhRMA

Overview
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Director of State Policy for the State Advocacy team. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that protect and promote the discovery, development, and delivery of medicines to help patients live longer and healthier lives.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, you will develop and lead the policy-related strategy for key states in the northeast. You’ll have the resources and support you need to be effective on key issues such as Medicaid, insurance, cost/value, 340B, and prescription drug pricing.
In this highly visible and fast-paced position, you will collaborate with colleagues across PhRMA, engage with stakeholders at over 30 member companies, and represent PhRMA at state legislative and regulatory hearings and other stakeholder meetings. You’ll apply your expertise in relationship building and communication to inspire confidence and influence a broad range of constituents through effective presentation, testimony, and group facilitation.
This role requires you to handle multiple complex issues simultaneously, prioritize effectively, think and communicate strategically about assigned policy areas, seek input from others as needed, and adjust to changing political environments. Your ability to mobilize quickly, work well both with a team and independently, employ exceptional diplomacy, and build consensus will be central to your success. The ideal candidate will be based in Albany or New England.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health policy, political science, science, or a related area. Advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in state policy or within state government, legislature, regulatory, or executive branch (trade association and/or pharmaceutical industry experience preferred).
• Prior experience analyzing health policy and developing policy-related action plans.
• Experience providing testimony or issue briefings on complex topics.
• Must be willing to travel (up to 50% of the time during certain times of the year) and be responsive and available after-hours and weekends as needed; must have a valid driver’s license.
• Experience working with state healthcare issues affecting the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that foster the ability to design and manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet short, non-negotiable timelines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

WHO WE ARE

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $800 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time

• Legislative and Regulatory Analysis. Analyzing state-level legislation and regulations. Draft and deliver testimony, represent PhRMA at key meetings, and create essential documents, including statements and talking points, to support state lobbying efforts.
• Strategy Development and Guidance. Providing strategic advice to the regional field team to advance and protect PhRMA policies related to state legislation and regulations. Collaborate with regional leadership to develop and execute effective strategies.
• Policy Development Support. Supporting the development and implementation of state policies on critical issues such as Medicaid, insurance, cost/value, 340B, and prescription drug pricing.
• Legislative Planning Support. Working with internal and external teams to support action plans for legislation in assigned states, particularly focusing on the northeastern US.
• Stakeholder Engagement. Acting as PhRMA’s representative at various high-level meetings, including state legislative hearings and regulatory agency meetings. Plan and collaborate with the state team to ensure comprehensive industry coverage at national and quarterly meetings.
• Internal Collaboration and Project Management. Presenting key regional issues to senior PhRMA management and collaborating across departments to ensure alignment and advocacy effectiveness. Coordinate special projects, including defining scopes of work and timelines.
• Workgroup Membership. Participating in coordinating efforts with member companies and within PhRMA to achieve policy goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.