Head of State Government Affairs – West Region

Mission Statement:

As one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure diseases. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big and working together to make the impossible a reality. At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a great place to work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

Head of State Government Affairs West Region:

As Head of State Government Affairs West Region, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. The Head of State Government Affairs – West Region will lead State Government Affairs team members responsible for the company’s engagement with identified priority states in the western half of the US. You will work in partnership with the Head of State Government Affairs – East Region. You’ll represent the interests of the State Government Affairs team on the US Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of engagement strategies with identified priority states in the western region of the US.
• Lead, mentor, and develop state-based State Government Affairs team members.
• Partner, successfully Collaborate, and Align with peer SGA leader in the East.
• Engage with external thought leaders; apply your regulatory know-how.
• Demonstrate appropriate influencing skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage and demonstrate leadership with trade associations and/or committees with which AstraZeneca participates.
• Demonstrate and maintain strong working relationships with key governmental & advocacy influencers in identified priority states, trade associations, think tanks, and third party allies.
• Participate on senior level BIO state focused work groups and committees and represent the company’s interests therein; and represent the company in social/professional settings.
• Ensure the team’s strategic alignment and pull-through of proactive business priorities in identified priority states, including in the areas of pricing, reimbursement, access, and quality.
• Create strategies and campaigns to optimize outcomes and defend against harmful, external proprietary legislative policy proposals.
• Participate on the US Corporate Affairs Leadership Team; provide leadership within the company on state public policy issues; and ensure alignment and integration with key business objectives and strategies among all stakeholders in the company.
• Identify, analyze and act on emerging state legislative and regulatory matters.
• Assist in the execution of the AZ Political Action Committee (AZPAC) strategy.
• Lead the strategic decision making on state public policy in all therapeutic areas within AstraZeneca’s portfolio.
• Understand the company’s business goals and priorities to include a keen understanding and pull-through of AstraZeneca’s vision.
• Provide performance feedback and development support to your team; infuse State Government Affairs team with “best in class” best practices.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10 years experience in state government affairs, public policy and/or legal.
• At least 5 years of leading a team with direct reports.
• Strong & demonstrated internal stakeholder building capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, communications (public speaking and writing) skills.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Experience with cross-functional teams (ally development, public relations, health policy).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a highly matrixed corporation.
• Exhaustive knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory issues and state regulatory and political processes.
• Deep knowledge of the healthcare industry especially with public & private payers, supply chains, and state/federal political influence on the pharmaceutical business.
• Proficiency in standard business software applications.
• Strong understanding of budget activities and ability to manage budgets.
• Amenable to lobbyist’s travel/schedule (including late night, off-hour and weekend responsibilities) — Up to 40 % travel is required.
• Travel to company locations in Wilmington DE, Gaithersburg MD, and Washington DC as needed.

Preferred Requirements:

• Graduate or law degree.
• More than 10 years experience in state government affairs, public policy, or legal.
• At least 5 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated strong external relationships with key external stakeholders in Congress, the Executive Branch and trade associations such as BIO.
• Demonstrated ability to shape the external environment through interactions with state officials.
• Experience with pharmaceutical cross-functional teams (ally development, public relations, health policy).
• Demonstrated ability to manage corporate relationships with trade associations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally.
• Strong understanding of the activities undertaken by political action committees.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across commercial sales, market access (managed care), medical affairs, corporate affairs, legal, and compliance.

Diversity and Equality Statement:

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.

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