Director, State Government Relations

Role Summary

Director, State Government Relations based in New Jersey. You will lead BioNTech's state-level engagement strategy to ensure patient access to our medicines by addressing legislative and regulatory issues across multiple states. This field-based role shapes state policies to create favorable environments for our products. You will collaborate across functions to support product launches, access, reimbursement, and regulatory pathways, building relationships with government officials and industry associations to advance BioNTech’s priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead BioNTech's state-level legislative and regulatory strategies in collaboration with the US Commercial team.
• Shape public policy to ensure a favorable environment for product launches and patient access.
• Monitor state legislative developments; identify risks/opportunities and align strategies with internal stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Educate internal teams on emerging trends while integrating their feedback into strategic planning.
• Manage external consultants and lobbyists to ensure alignment with BioNTech’s priorities.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree with demonstrated expertise in state government affairs or public policy with 10+ years of experience.
• Required: Proven success influencing state legislation/regulation and fostering relationships with decision-makers.
• Required: Strong skills in communication, coalition-building, and strategic planning.
• Required: Ability to interpret complex policies, assess commercial implications, and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Required: Comfortable managing regional responsibilities across multiple states; travel readiness required.
• Preferred: Experience with Medicaid policy, formulary processes, or state-level drug pricing frameworks.
• Preferred: Background within biopharmaceutical or biotech industry.

Skills

• Policy analysis and interpretation
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Communication and coalition-building