Head of International Public Policy

At Lilly

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Position Overview

As a Global Public Policy Leader with a focus on international business, you will report to the Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy and oversee a team of experts engaging with policymakers, advocacy organizations, thought leaders, and other stakeholders on key issues that affect Lilly’s business and reputation.

In this role, you will develop and advance policy priorities in key regions globally, identify and monitor policy threats and opportunities, synthesize complex issues into actionable business strategies, and lead in-house and external consultants (as necessary) to shape favorable policy environments. This position requires a keen understanding of global political dynamics, regulatory frameworks, multinational organizations, and a strategic mindset to drive business growth while ensuring compliance with local laws.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Identification and Development

• Identify and prioritize key strategic policy threats and opportunities, monitoring external events and internal business needs.
• Develop and articulate clear, rational, and cross-functional policy positions, demonstrating agility in adjusting as circumstances evolve.
• Develop and execute comprehensive corporate affairs campaigns to drive progress on preferred policy outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key multinational and regional policy bodies (e.g., WHO) to shape their agendas and advance Lilly’s interests on topics like intellectual property, taxation, pricing, reimbursement, industrial policies, market access, and trade.
• Influence trade association strategies to align with Lilly’s long-range goals.

Policy Development, Advocacy, and Thought Leader Engagement

• Develop and implement a research agenda aligned with global policy objectives and affiliates in significant markets.
• Cultivate relationships with key think tanks, thought leaders, and advocacy organizations on international policy issues.
• Lead the team in developing resources (e.g., white papers, advocacy briefs) for affiliate Corporate Affairs teams and International Government Affairs.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact operations, developing policy positions and issue assessments as needed.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs to advance shared objectives.
• Leverage external relationships to gain insights into emerging trends, legislative priorities, and geopolitical risks affecting the organization’s business operations.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage internal and external stakeholders to build consensus around policy priorities and advocacy initiatives.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization on policy topics and healthcare issues.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including legal, compliance, policy, and regulatory teams, to ensure adherence to applicable laws across global markets.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for legislative challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.
• Manage the International Public Policy budget and business planning process, focusing on compliance, process improvement, collaboration, and productivity across the function.

Talent Management and Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of leaders and professionals in a matrixed environment.
• Recruit top talent to support growth objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Promote a culture of learning and development to empower employees and enhance organizational capabilities.
• Train and empower the international policy staff to drive impact and policy outcomes.
• Identify and address capability and resource gaps, sharing best practices and learnings across affiliates, and identifying areas for improvement.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, International Relations, Law, Business Administration, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in government affairs, public policy, or related fields, focusing on international business and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading teams in a global, highly matrixed organization to accomplish ambitious goals.
• In-depth knowledge of global political and regulatory environments in key markets.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy and relationship-building with NGOs, industry associations, and other stakeholders.
• Experience designing and delivering integrated public affairs strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking, with the ability to anticipate and respond effectively to challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, able to convey complex ideas persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Fluency in multiple languages and experience working in multicultural environments is a plus.

Location and Travel

• Location: Washington, DC or other major global hubs outside the U.S.
• Travel Percentage: 35%-45%

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly USA, LLC, and our wholly-owned subsidiaries are committed to helping individuals with disabilities participate in the workforce and ensuring equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you require an accommodation to submit a resume for positions at Lilly, please email Lilly Human Resources at [email protected] for further assistance.

Please note that this email address is intended only for accommodation requests as part of the application process; any other correspondence will not receive a response.

For accommodations in the application process, please complete the Accommodation Request Form.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer robust support networks for their members and help develop talent for future leadership roles. Current groups include:

• Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia Network
• African American Network
• Chinese Culture Network
• Early Career Professionals
• Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN)
• Lilly India Network
• Organization of Latinos at Lilly
• PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies)
• Veterans Leadership Network
• Women’s Network
• Working and Living with Disabilities

Learn more about all of our groups through our #WeAreLilly initiative.

Learn more here