Director, Federal Government Relations

## Salary Range
$120,000.00 to $150,000.00 Annually

## Director, Federal Government Relations

**Location:** Washington, DC
**Reports to:** Senior Director, Federal Government Relations
**Status:** Full-Time, Exempt
**Work Arrangement:** Hybrid
**Salary Range:** $120,000–$150,000
**Travel:** Up to 10–15%

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## About California Life Sciences (CLS)

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s leading life sciences membership organization, advocating for California’s world-class innovation ecosystem across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and healthcare. For more than 30 years, CLS has supported companies ranging from early-stage startups to global industry leaders.

CLS works closely with policymakers, research institutions, healthcare leaders, investors, and industry partners to advance public policy, improve access to breakthrough technologies, and support innovation that leads to healthier lives. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, CLS is committed to protecting and strengthening California’s life sciences industry.

**CLS Purpose:** Empowering our life sciences community to deliver innovative solutions for healthier lives.
**CLS Core Values:** Impact, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Collaboration

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## About the Role

The Director, Federal Government Relations is a Washington, DC-based role responsible for advancing CLS’ federal advocacy priorities and strengthening the organization’s visibility and engagement within the federal policy landscape. This position works directly with Members of Congress, congressional committees and caucuses, administration officials, industry stakeholders, and partner organizations on issues impacting California’s life sciences ecosystem.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with strong legislative and policy expertise, particularly within healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical innovation. This role supports the design and execution of advocacy strategies that drive policy outcomes for CLS membership while identifying legislative and regulatory opportunities, risks, and impacts affecting the industry.

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## Key Responsibilities

### Federal Advocacy & Policy Engagement

– **Federal relationship‑building** — Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional committees, administration officials, the California delegation, and key external stakeholders.
– **Legislative monitoring** — Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory developments impacting California’s life sciences ecosystem and provide policy analysis, recommendations, briefing materials, and communications to CLS membership.
– **Advocacy strategy development** — Support the development and execution of comprehensive advocacy strategies and federal policy solutions aligned with CLS priorities.
– **Representation at events** — Represent CLS at meetings, coalition calls, industry events, conferences, and policy forums.
– **Educational programming** — Assist with educational programming and policy engagement initiatives that highlight California’s biomedical research and innovation ecosystem.
– **Lobbying compliance** — Register and maintain compliance as a federal lobbyist as required.

### Relationship Management & External Affairs

– **Member engagement** — Build and maintain relationships with CLS member companies, trade associations, advocacy groups, and affiliate organizations.
– **Visibility and outreach** — Elevate CLS’ visibility through strategic engagement, issue education, events, and partnership development.
– **Sponsorship support** — Support sponsorship and engagement opportunities related to CLS programs and Washington, DC-based events.
– **Cross-team collaboration** — Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to strengthen CLS’ federal presence and advocacy efforts.

### Strategic & Organizational Support

– **Project leadership** — May provide project leadership or managerial responsibilities depending on organizational needs.
– **Professional judgment** — Demonstrate professionalism, sound political judgment, collaboration, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of work.
– **Schedule flexibility** — Maintain flexibility to support occasional early morning, evening, and nontraditional work hours associated with legislative schedules and events.

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## Qualifications & Experience

### Required

– **Bachelor’s degree** required; related field preferred.
– **Five+ years federal GR experience** in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or advocacy.
– **Capitol Hill experience** strongly preferred, including work for a Member of Congress or congressional committee.
– **Federal policy expertise** in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences innovation.
– **Policy interpretation skills** with ability to convert complex issues into actionable strategies.
– **Bipartisan relationship-building** with policymakers and stakeholders.
– **Communication excellence** — verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal.
– **Strategic and analytical skills** including collaboration, project management, and problem-solving.
– **Independent work capability** in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment.

### Preferred

– **Advocacy campaign experience**.
– **Familiarity with California delegation** and state-specific policy priorities.
– **Trade association or mission-driven experience**.
– **Subject matter expertise** in biotechnology, biomedical innovation, healthcare policy, or pharmaceutical policy.

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Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational budget.

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Learn more here