AVP, US State Policy and Government Affairs
Merck
August 26, 2026
Remote friendly (North Wales, PA)
United States
Corporate Functions
Associate Vice President (AVP), State Policy and Government Affairs
Key Responsibilities
- Lead U.S. strategy for key state policy issues affecting the company and the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Direct team strategy and execution on state legislative and policy issues across human health and animal health; oversee executive directors for lobbying, policy, and alliance development.
- Identify, analyze, and develop responses to public policy issues impacting strategic business priorities.
- Lead department operations including budget planning, long-range planning, and resource management.
- Partner with U.S. Federal Public Policy & Government Affairs and Global Policy teams; align priorities with therapeutic franchise, policy, and subject matter experts.
- Brief and advise executive leadership on external policy engagements.
- Ensure state advocacy aligns with existing company positions and help develop/align new policies.
- Represent the company with trade/business/advocacy organizations and alliance boards (e.g., PhRMA, BIO).
- Ensure state advocacy complies with company policy and applicable state/federal laws.
- Support professional development and manage external consultants/projects.
Education
- Required: BA/BS
Required Experience and Skills
- 15+ years in state government affairs and policy; extensive biopharma policy knowledge.
- Proven ability to lead proactive state policy initiatives; navigate state legislative process.
- Strong stakeholder engagement; ability to lead high-performing teams and influence in matrixed organizations.
- Exceptional written/verbal communication (executive briefings/message development).
- Strong ethics, professionalism, and political judgment.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days; annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead U.S. strategy for key state policy issues affecting the company and the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Direct team strategy and execution on state legislative and policy issues across human health and animal health; oversee executive directors for lobbying, policy, and alliance development.
- Identify, analyze, and develop responses to public policy issues impacting strategic business priorities.
- Lead department operations including budget planning, long-range planning, and resource management.
- Partner with U.S. Federal Public Policy & Government Affairs and Global Policy teams; align priorities with therapeutic franchise, policy, and subject matter experts.
- Brief and advise executive leadership on external policy engagements.
- Ensure state advocacy aligns with existing company positions and help develop/align new policies.
- Represent the company with trade/business/advocacy organizations and alliance boards (e.g., PhRMA, BIO).
- Ensure state advocacy complies with company policy and applicable state/federal laws.
- Support professional development and manage external consultants/projects.
Education
- Required: BA/BS
Required Experience and Skills
- 15+ years in state government affairs and policy; extensive biopharma policy knowledge.
- Proven ability to lead proactive state policy initiatives; navigate state legislative process.
- Strong stakeholder engagement; ability to lead high-performing teams and influence in matrixed organizations.
- Exceptional written/verbal communication (executive briefings/message development).
- Strong ethics, professionalism, and political judgment.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days; annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).