Director, State Government Affairs

Join a Legacy of Innovation – 110 Years and Counting!

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical therapies to improve standards of care and address diversified, unmet medical needs globally by leveraging our world-class science and technology. With more than 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 16,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. Under the Group’s 2025 Vision to become a “Global Pharma Innovator with Competitive Advantage in Oncology,” Daiichi Sankyo is primarily focused on providing novel therapies in oncology, as well as other research areas centered around rare diseases and immune disorders.

Summary

With the Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, this position will help lead Daiichi Sankyo’s engagement across the United States to ensure patient access to our current portfolio and robust pipeline of medicines. This position will identify key issues in state legislation and regulation that could impact the company and patients. Informed by collaboration across functions, lead efforts to develop strategies to mitigate risks and harms while also proactively pursuing opportunities to bring our medicines to the patients who need them.

Responsibilities

• With the Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, develop, lead, and prioritize Daiichi Sankyo’s legislative and regulatory engagement and strategy in the states and D.C., focusing on key states and priority issues.
• Monitor and analyze state legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on Daiichi Sankyo’s business and patient access to medicines.
• Identify risks and opportunities and develop a strategy for engagement on Daiichi Sankyo’s priority issues, collaborating with internal subject matter experts and aligning with leadership and the Government Affairs Public Policy team.
• Build and maintain relationships with key governors, state and local elected officials, and external stakeholders at the state level.
• Educate internal stakeholders and business leaders on emerging trends and existing risks and opportunities at the state level, while also seeking their input and feedback to inform state government affairs strategy and engagement.
• Contribute to internal and external advocacy and educational materials and provide support to leadership in external engagement.
• Engage with trade associations (PhRMA, HINJ) on priority state issues, tracking state developments and working to shape the industry’s broader positioning to reflect Daiichi Sankyo’s business needs. Support PhRMA Board Member, as needed.
• Manage state government consultants and contract lobbyists, as required, to ensure their work advances Daiichi Sankyo’s priorities and brings sustained value to the organization.
• Support the Government Affairs Public Policy team in other areas, as needed, to move Daiichi Sankyo goals forward.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will be able to meet the qualifications below with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education Qualifications (from an accredited college or university)

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s Degree preferred
• JD preferred

Experience Qualifications

• 10 or more years of combined experience working in government, government affairs, trade associations, or pharmaceutical companies required
• Experience working on state legislative and regulatory issues required
• Knowledge of state legislative and rulemaking processes; experience researching and analyzing complex public policy issues required
• Expertise in oncology and with physician-administered medicines preferred
• Experience building a state government affairs function preferred

Travel

Ability to travel up to 20% for business meetings as necessary. The optimal candidate is located in Washington, D.C. or Basking Ridge, NJ areas; other parts of the U.S. can be considered as well.

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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