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

Role Summary

The Director State Government Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy. This field-based role collaborates with multiple functions to lead public policy efforts and advance company goals. The 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 ensure state public policy goals align with company objectives and serve patients’ needs.
• Analyzing and monitoring legislation, regulations, and political activity related to issues that may impact Vertex; driving strategy and creating action plans to influence policy change.
• Developing and maintaining high-level relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, external organizations, and stakeholders to achieve Vertex goals.
• Collaborating with and facilitating advocacy coalitions for specific public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and Vertex's commercial and pipeline disease area policy issues.
• Leading complex cross-functional initiatives with impact across the team.
• Developing written analyses, testimony and background materials in support of Vertex objectives.
• Leveraging existing relationships and partnering with community-based organizations and coalitions to reach public policy and company goals.
• In partnership with cross-functional partners, integrating Vertex’s public relations objectives with state/regional policy strategy and identifying opportunities to increase rare disease and disease burden awareness.
• Managing contract lobbyists and overseeing compliance with state laws for lobbyist registration, reporting and political contributions.
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to advance the company’s business objectives.
• Fulfilling other duties/projects as assigned; Exemplifying Vertex’s core values in fulfilling these duties.
• Field travel required 40-50%.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven to ten years current and relevant experience in state government affairs, state government or at a major trade association with significant direct lobbying experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with members of the legislature, administration and other government and community leaders.
• Significant knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems.
• Demonstrated outstanding 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.
• A high level of energy and passion toward patients, science and public health.
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to interact and influence all levels of business.
• Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment along with demonstrated integrity on the job.
• A desire to work in the corporate culture of a highly innovative company aimed at redefining health and transforming lives with new medicines.

Additional Requirements

• Field travel required 40-50%.