State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK

Role Summary

State Government Affairs Director is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy. This field-based role works with multiple functional areas to lead public policy efforts and advance company goals. Incumbent resides in the region (CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK).

Responsibilities

• Developing, coordinating, and leading the company’s state/regional public policy efforts
• Working collaboratively with communications, patient advocacy, policy, medical affairs, and marketing to align state public policy goals with company objectives and patient needs
• Analyzing and monitoring legislation, regulations, and political activity related to issues that may impact Vertex
• Drives strategy and creates action plans to impact policy change
• Developing and maintaining high-level relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, external organizations, and stakeholders
• Collaborating with and facilitating advocacy coalitions for specific public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and policy issues across commercial and pipeline areas
• Leading complex cross-functional initiatives with impact across the team
• Developing written analyses, testimony, and background materials in support of Vertex objectives
• Leveraging relationships and partnerships with community-based organizations and coalitions to reach policy and company goals
• In partnership with cross-functional partners, integrating public relations objectives with state/regional policy strategy and identifying opportunities to increase rare disease and disease burden awareness
• Managing contract lobbyists and ensuring compliance with state lobbying laws and reporting
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to advance business objectives
• Fulfilling other duties/projects as assigned; exemplifying Vertex’s core values
• Field travel required 40-50% (Incumbent resides in the region; California preferred)

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven to ten years of relevant experience in state government affairs or major trade association with significant lobbying experience
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with legislators, administrations, and other government leaders
• Significant knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems
• Strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in science, law, government, or public policy
• Pharmaceutical or healthcare sector experience strongly preferred
• High energy and passion toward patients, science, and public health
• Teamwork and collaboration skills; ability to influence all levels of business
• Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized, able to manage multiple projects
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and integrity
• Desire to work in a highly innovative company redefining health with new medicines

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in science, law, government or public policy