Director – Public Affairs

Overview

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a director to join its public affairs team to support the strategy development, execution, and support of public affairs strategies for key PhRMA advocacy priorities. The director will report to the senior director in the public affairs department and support advocacy communications related to science, innovation, regulatory, and intellectual property issues, working closely with PhRMA staff, PhRMA member companies, and external consultants.

Responsibilities

The director’s responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, leading the design and execution of strategies to educate public stakeholders on the Prescription Drug and Biosimilar User Fee Acts and supporting the science and regulatory advocacy communications portfolio. The director will additionally be part of public affairs’ campaign work around educating core stakeholders on the value of intellectual property within the biopharmaceutical industry.

This work includes:

Content Creation and Approvals:

• Draft, review, and finalize written materials, including blog posts, messaging documents, fact sheets, reports, and slide decks.
• Regularly update and manage issue-specific content on public-facing PhRMA websites, ensuring accuracy and relevance of key messages and data points.

Media Engagement Support:

• Support the earned media team as needed on relevant news inquiries.
• Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson as appropriate.

Engage Stakeholders:

• Work to ensure internal teams are aligned on public affairs’ science, innovation, regulatory, and intellectual property communications efforts while building relationships to drive success.

Manage Consultants:

• Work with PhRMA consultant teams and help manage workflow.

Meeting and Reporting:

• Prepare meeting agendas, presentation materials, and summary reports to facilitate effective communication and decision-making.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Success Factors

Key success factors for this role include being a multitasker, strategic and creative thinker, idea generator, problem-solver, a strong writer, and a self-starter. A successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and responsive, and have the ability to work under pressure, both independently and collaboratively, as well as under short timelines. This candidate should have a strong team orientation both inside and outside the department, uphold the highest levels of integrity, possess excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, and have the desire to learn and grow with the broader public affairs teams.

Professional Experience/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of six years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Experience working with external constituencies.
• Ability to balance the needs of various internal and external parties with flexibility and a steady temperament.
• Strong writing and editing skills and the ability to write for disparate audiences and channels (i.e., traditional and social) both strategically and creatively.
• Commitment to exceptional work-product quality.
• Skilled organizational and project-management skills.
• Passion, motivation, energy, and curiosity to stay abreast of current industry trends.

Preferred Experience/Requirements

• Health care communications experience and background in public relations, media relations, journalism, trade association, and/or Capitol Hill/state/federal government preferred.
• Master’s degree is a plus but not required.

Potential Salary

$110,500 – $151,900 per annum. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Who We Are

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser-focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat, and cure disease. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $800 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.

Connect with PhRMA

What We Offer

In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, various opportunities for reward and recognition, and a platform of extensive benefits, PhRMA is committed to the development and overall wellbeing of our team members.

We offer traditional benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, STD, LTC) and enhanced benefits such as parental leave, a well-being program, an on-site fitness facility, back-up care, health advocate service, an employee assistance program, and commuting benefits. We also offer a robust 401k plan with employer contributions upon the first day of hire and immediate vesting, a generous paid time off plan, ten paid holidays (plus inauguration day), half-day Fridays preceding holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer months, and a paid winter break. As an organization, we work together in the office on Mondays through Thursdays and remotely on Fridays. We also work remotely in August.

We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities including an integrated onboarding program, best-in-class leadership programming, tuition reimbursement, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management/professional development programs.

Corporate social responsibility is also important to us at PhRMA. Our team members participate in community service activities, fundraising drives, and charitable athletic events.

We are committed to supporting our family of professionals at PhRMA and strive to create programs that help our team members manage the challenges of balancing a fast-paced career with their personal goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.

Learn more here