At Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), we’re working to drive patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability, and access to health care in the US. As a Director of State Policy on our State Advocacy team, you’ll 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 the Southeast US region. 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 price controls.
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 strategically about assigned policy areas, seek input from others as needed, and quickly 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.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Working with a bright, hardworking, collaborative team passionate about addressing health care challenges in the US, you’ll be at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical innovation. Your work will influence policies that support the development of groundbreaking medicines, ensure access for all, and dramatically improve patients’ lives. Key focus areas include:
- Legislative and Regulatory Analysis. Analyze 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. Provide 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. Support the development and implementation of state policies on critical issues such as Medicaid, insurance, cost/value, 340B, and prescription drug price controls.
- Legislative Planning Support. Work with internal and external teams to support action plans for legislation in assigned states, particularly focusing on the southeastern US.
- Stakeholder Engagement. Act 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. Present key regional issues to senior PhRMA management and collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and advocacy effectiveness. Coordinate special projects, including defining scopes of work and timelines.
- Workgroup Membership. Participate in coordinating efforts with member companies and within PhRMA to achieve policy goals.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- This role offers flexible location options with regional travel up to 50% during peak legislative periods. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and reside in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, or Nashville. Depending on location, you’ll enjoy a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office weekly) or be remote. The position requires availability and responsiveness after hours and on weekends to align with legislative schedules.
- The budgeted salary range for this position is $110,500 – $144,305. *Higher-level candidates will be considered with the potential to adjust salary commensurate with experience.
- PhRMA offers a best-in-class benefits package with generous PTO, including 11 paid holidays, a week off between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and half-day Fridays through the summer. We provide comprehensive medical coverage with broadly inclusive healthcare benefits, dental and vision insurance, a well-being reimbursement, 401(k) with an automatic company contribution plus matching, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and more.
Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
About Us
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have more than doubled their annual investment in the search for new treatments and cures, including nearly $101 billion in 2022 alone.
Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
