Director, State Government Affairs North Region

Role Summary

The Director, State Government Affairs North Region is a strategic leader within AbbVie’s Government Affairs team. You will design and execute comprehensive lobbying and advocacy strategies to shape state legislative and regulatory environments in support of AbbVie’s business and policy objectives. This role requires collaboration with internal partners, external alliances, and regional leadership, with rigorous compliance to all state lobbying and campaign finance laws. Region: North Region (Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming).

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with state policymakers and regulators, including Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Attorneys General and members of the state legislature, to advance AbbVie’s state policy goals.
• Set the lobbying and advocacy strategy to shape state legislative and regulatory activity, engage directly with policymakers, regulators, third-party groups, and coalitions, assess the state political environment, and manage internal expectations regarding impacts.
• Represent AbbVie in matters impacting the company, proactively evaluate legislation and regulations, and assess opportunities and threats to AbbVie’s interests.
• Collaborate with the U.S. Strategic Alliances Director to provide state legislative and political expertise and support policy advocacy strategies with state and local stakeholders.
• Partner with cross-functional internal stakeholders (Federal Government Affairs, U.S. Policy & Analytics, Commercial, Legal, Market Access, Corporate Affairs, Regional and District managers) to tailor state advocacy strategies to drive business objectives.
• Represent AbbVie at state legislative and political events, lead state trade association task forces and coalitions, and drive trade association action on key issues; engage with national groups affecting state policy initiatives.
• Hire and manage outside consultants within the region and oversee the regional state government affairs budget.
• Ensure rigorous lobbying and political giving compliance for registrations and related activities within the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health care administration, political science, public administration or policy; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong executive presence to engage with high-profile stakeholders and navigate political landscapes.
• Eight to ten years’ experience in lobbying, public administration, political activity, legislative staff work, or related fields; health care or highly regulated industry experience preferred.
• Ability to master complex policy and legislative issues, knowledge of major state health programs (including Medicaid) and state finance/appropriations processes, and understanding of private healthcare marketplace dynamics.
• Independent judgment within broad guidelines; ability to create and implement comprehensive GA strategies across lobbying, associations, third-party advocacy, media, and other tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills; ability to work under deadlines and adapt to a fluid environment.
• Expertise in developing and delivering clear policy content for internal stakeholders; strong PowerPoint and communication skills.
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across functions and leadership levels; proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Domestic travel requirement of 50%.

Skills

• Policy analysis and strategic advocacy
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Policy communication and presentation
• Regulatory and legislative monitoring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related fields; advanced degree preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Domestic travel (50 percent) required.