Director of Government Relations (Life Sciences)

Director of Government Relations (Life Sciences)

Ecolab, the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, is seeking a Director of Government Relations (Life Sciences). The ideal candidate will have a background in life sciences advocacy work and will be drawn to the scale of Ecolab’s positive impact on public health and sustainability outcomes and the company’s presence serving over three million customer locations in 170 countries.

Reporting directly to the VP State Government Relations, you will define, lead and advance Ecolab’s legislative agenda and public policy initiatives in our rapidly growing life sciences and pharmaceutical sector.

The candidate will develop the US government relations strategic plan for this vertical working directly with the Executive Vice President & General Manager for Global Life Sciences and leadership team. This will require coordination and partnership with the state/federal GR and regulatory affairs teams as well as other global leaders to align on a cohesive vision to advance business priorities.

You will advocate before relevant state officials and federal agencies (FDA, HHS, etc.) primarily and actively participate and shape policy in relevant state and national industry trades. Manage broader Ecolab business priorities impacted by government policies in the NE region.

This position will be divided between state (60%) and federal (40%) advocacy work.

Location Details

• Location Preference: Ecolab’s Life Sciences HQ in King of Prussia, PA. Relocation support may be considered for qualified candidates.
• Remote Options: If unable to relocate, remote options will be considered in one of the key pharma headquarter hubs (MD, NY, MA, or PA) or Washington DC.
• Travel: 30% travel required to HQ (KOP and St. Paul, MN) and in key states/Washington D.C.

What’s in it For You

This is an exciting opportunity with Ecolab, a market leader that partners with the world’s largest pharma and life sciences companies.

Government Relations (GR) is responsible for the strategic direction of Ecolab’s global government relations and advocacy efforts. The GR team advances public policy matters to support the company’s global business objectives and advises senior leadership on how best to navigate to best pursue growth. This includes identifying policy and industry trends, analyzing how customers and competition are responding to them, and executing clear policy action plans while defending Ecolab’s reputation.

What You Will Do

• Build and advance the key government relations strategy for the Ecolab Life Sciences segment across state and federal jurisdictions.
• Track and inform Life Sciences business leaders on new and changing global policies for the pharma and industrial industries.
• Develop and execute federal, state, and local government affairs objectives and action plans in assigned states.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Ecolab’s Life Sciences division to advise on government policies to advance business growth.
• Effectively lead and coordinate external advocacy efforts in front of legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and executive branch decision-makers.
• Analyze and monitor federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and political activities impacting Ecolab or its customers.
• Strengthen Ecolab’s brand through establishing relationships with legislative leaders, The White House, Governors, and other stakeholders.
• Identify public forums to position Ecolab as a thought leader (e.g., webinars, panels, and testifying).
• Build internal relationships with business divisions to find opportunities to advance objectives, including executing policymaker engagement plans and plant tours.
• Manage lobbyists in assigned states, executing off the strategic plan and reviewing performance.
• Identify PAC giving strategies for federal and state candidates, including vetting risks and attending political meetings.
• Be the face of Life Sciences government relations externally in thought leadership and communication activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 8 years of federal and state/city government relations (public affairs) and/or legislative experience within the life sciences, biopharma, pharma, personal care, and/or biotech industry.
• Thorough understanding of State and federal government, including legislative, regulatory, and political processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead executive-level discussions with legislative leaders and impact state legislation and regulation.
• Background in bipartisanship negotiation.
• Science degree or background is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual Base Salary Range: $146,400.00 – $219,600.00

This position is eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentives based on performance. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, and geography.

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants may need to:

• Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
• Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is granted.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you require accommodation assistance, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of our career website.

Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging

At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit based on individual qualifications and job performance. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status.

We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the Fair Chance ordinances of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.

Apply here