Director of External Affairs and Head of Federal Government Relations

Be a part of a revolutionary change

At PMI, we’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’re totally transforming our business and building our future on one clear purpose – to deliver a smoke-free future.

In late 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match and its leading oral nicotine product portfolio. We can now provide legal age nicotine users who would otherwise continue to smoke, access to a broader range of better alternatives to combustible products.

With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, wherever you join us, you’ll enjoy the freedom to dream up and deliver better, brighter solutions and the space to move your career forward in endlessly different directions.

Our success depends on people who are committed to our purpose and have an appetite for progress.

Director of External Affairs and Head of Federal Government Relations

Philip Morris International (PMI) is seeking a Director of External Affairs and Head of Federal Government Relations to lead our Washington policy, political, and civic-related priorities. This role will sit on the Leadership Team of the U.S. External Affairs Function, reporting to the VP and Chief External Affairs Officer of the U.S., and work across the various business functions under PMI US.

Your ‘day to day’:

• Lead, manage, and cultivate PMI’s relationships with congressional legislators, officials, committee staff, regulatory bodies, the White House, and policy makers to represent the company’s interests and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Develop and implement a comprehensive federal government relations strategy aligned with the company’s goals and regulatory requirements to include the company’s position on relevant issues
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, communications, and business units, to advocate for policies that support the company’s strategic initiatives and enhance industry competitiveness
• Develop, lead, and execute strategic advocacy campaigns in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance the company’s position on critical issues, including grassroots efforts to influence public opinion and policymaker decisions
• Collaborate with senior management and Federal and State Government Affairs personnel to develop and implement strategies that shape public policy regarding proposed legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for forming strategic partnerships and coalitions with other companies, advocacy groups, or trade associations to amplify the company’s advocacy efforts and influence policy outcomes beneficial to the industry and the company
• Draft, execute and manage the company’s federal political giving strategies that help advance PMI and its business units’ priorities. Assist in planning and executing all political fundraisers and events in Washington for PMI, their executives, and the Political Action Committee.
• Develop domain knowledge of PMI’s business to include an understanding of short-term goals and long-term strategies for the organization while serving as a strategic resource for PMI’s business teams so that marketing and development plans for specific products reflect change in federal policies
• Ensure compliance with PMI’s policies, processes, and practices. Role model ethical standards, professionalism, and code of conduct
• Foster a collaborative and dynamic work environment within the organization, ensuring effective communication and coordination
• Lead the federal government and external affairs professional teams through inspirational leadership driving team motivation and engagement; provide appropriate direction regarding proactive issues management as well as career development opportunities and support.
• Willingness and availability to travel when necessary

Who we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, business, political science, law or related field, postgraduate degree preferred
• 15+ years leading in a legal or government relations position with particular emphasis on regulatory affairs and policymaking within highly regulated industries
• 10+ years of work experience in health care policy, public health, and FDA regulatory issues.
• Ability to collaboratively develop strategies with the business, while providing guidance on federal government relations aspects of those strategies
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, regulators, legislators and other elected and appointed public officials (legislative and executive branches)
• Proven track record of internal and external-facing personal advocacy and relationship building
• Proven track record of delivering results in developing and implementing advocacy programs on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Annual Base Salary Range: $292,000-$401,500

What we offer:

• We offer a competitive base salary, annual bonus (applicable based on level of position), great medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with a generous company match, incredible wellness benefits, commuter benefits, pet insurance, generous PTO, and much more!
• We have implemented Smart Work, a hybrid model of working that promotes flexibility in the workplace.
• Seize the freedom to define your future and ours. We’ll empower you to take risks, experiment and explore.
• Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture where everyone’s contribution is respected; Collaborate with some of the world’s best people and feel like you belong.
• Pursue your ambitions and develop your skills with a global business – our staggering size and scale provides endless opportunities to progress.
• Take pride in delivering our promise to society: To improve the lives of a billion smokers.

PMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

PMI Global Services Inc. and PM Global Brands Inc. are a subsidiary of Philip Morris International Inc. Philip Morris International (PMI) is leading a transformation in the tobacco industry to create a smoke-free future and ultimately replace cigarettes with smoke-free products to the benefit of adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, society, the company, its shareholders and its other stakeholders. PMI is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, as well as smoke-free products, associated electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the U.S. In addition, PMI ships versions of its IQOS Platform 1 device and consumables to Altria Group, Inc. for sale under license in the U.S., where these products have received marketing authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway; the FDA has also authorized the marketing of a version of IQOS and its consumables as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), finding that an exposure modification order for these products is appropriate to promote the public health. PMI is building a future on a new category of smoke-free products that, while not risk-free, are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities and scientific substantiation, PMI aims to ensure that its smoke-free products meet adult consumer preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. PMI’s smoke-free product portfolio includes heat-not-burn and nicotine-containing vapor products. As of September 30, 2023, PMI’s smoke-free products are available for sale in 82 markets in key cities or nationwide, and PMI estimates that approximately 19.7 million adults around the world, excluding Russia and Ukraine have already switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com. Philip Morris International (PMI) has been an entirely separate company from Altria and Philip Morris USA since 2008, with PMI focusing on international markets outside the United States. PMI has never sold cigarettes in the United States.

Learn more here