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

Role Summary

State Government Affairs Director, field-based in CA, AZ, NV, HI, or AK. Develops and implements the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy, working with cross-functional teams to lead public policy efforts and advance company goals. Incumbent resides in the region.

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 relating to issues potentially impacting 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
• Collaborating with advocacy coalitions for public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and policy issues across commercial and pipeline areas
• Leading complex cross-functional initiatives with broad impact
• Developing written analyses, testimony, and background materials in support of Vertex objectives
• Leveraging existing relationships and facilitating partnerships with community-based organizations and coalitions
• Integrating public relations objectives with state/regional public policy strategy; identifying opportunities to raise rare disease and disease burden awareness
• Managing contract lobbyists and overseeing compliance with lobbyist registration, reporting, and political contributions
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to advance business objectives
• Fulfilling other duties/projects as assigned
• Exemplifying Vertex’s core values in performing duties
• Field travel required 40-50%

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven to ten years of experience in state government affairs, at a state government level or within a major trade association with significant direct lobbying experience
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with legislators, administrators, and other government and community leaders
• Significant knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems
• Strong 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
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills with ability to interact and influence at all levels of the business
• Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment with demonstrated integrity
• A desire to work in a highly innovative corporate culture focused on redefining health and transforming lives with new medicines

Education

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

Additional Requirements

• Field travel: 40-50% travel required; incumbent resides in the region (California preferred)