Head of Corporate, State, and Government Affairs – West Region

Head of State Corporate and Government Affairs – West Region

As one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, our mission is centered on delivering life-changing products that advance world health and help fight and cure diseases. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big, and working together to make the impossible a reality.

At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a great place to work where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. We foster an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration and are always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

As Head of State Corporate and Government Affairs – West Region, you’ll play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients’ lives. The Head of State Government Affairs – West Region will lead State Government Affairs team members responsible for the company’s engagement with identified priority states in the western half of the U.S.

You will work in partnership with the Head of State Government Affairs – East Region and commercial teams across the Oncology and Biopharmaceutical business units. You’ll represent the interests of the State Government Affairs team on the U.S. Corporate Affairs Leadership Team and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of engagement strategies with identified priority states in the western region of the U.S.
• Lead, mentor, and develop state-based State Government Affairs team members.
• Partner, successfully collaborate, and align with the peer SCGA leader in the East.
• Engage with external thought leaders; apply your regulatory expertise.
• Demonstrate appropriate influencing skills with external stakeholders and strong internal stakeholder acumen.
• Engage and demonstrate leadership with trade associations and/or committees in which AstraZeneca participates.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key governmental & advocacy influencers in identified priority states, trade associations, think tanks, and third-party allies.
• Participate in senior-level BIO state-focused workgroups and committees, representing the company’s interests.
• Ensure the team’s strategic alignment and execution of proactive business priorities in identified priority states, including pricing, reimbursement, access, and quality.
• Create strategies and campaigns reflecting business values and objectives to optimize outcomes and defend against harmful legislative policy proposals.
• As a member of the U.S. Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, provide leadership on state public policy issues and ensure alignment with key business objectives.
• Identify, analyze, and act on emerging state legislative and regulatory matters.
• Assist in the execution of the AstraZeneca Political Action Committee (AZPAC) strategy.
• Lead strategic decision-making on state public policy across all therapeutic areas within AstraZeneca’s portfolio.
• Highlight to internal business partners how connected state ecosystems are to their own priorities and how to execute AstraZeneca’s ambitions.
• Provide performance feedback and development support to your team while implementing best-in-class practices.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, legal, or commercial leadership
• 5+ years of experience leading a team with direct reports
• Strong internal stakeholder-building capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., ally development, public relations, health policy)
• Ability to work effectively within a highly matrixed corporation
• Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory issues and state regulatory/political processes
• Deep understanding of the healthcare industry, including public & private payers, supply chains, and state/federal political influence on the pharmaceutical business
• Proficiency in business software applications
• Strong understanding of budget management
• Ability to travel frequently (up to 40%), including nights, weekends, and off-hours
• Travel to company locations in Wilmington, DE; Gaithersburg, MD; and Washington, D.C. as needed

Preferred Requirements

• Graduate or law degree
• 10+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, or legal
• Strong commercial experience and background
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• Established external relationships with Congress, the Executive Branch, and trade associations (e.g., BIO)
• Demonstrated ability to shape the external environment through state official interactions
• Experience working with pharmaceutical cross-functional teams (e.g., ally development, public relations, health policy, commercial leadership)
• Ability to manage corporate relationships with trade associations
• Strong understanding of political action committees and their activities
• Experience working cross-functionally across commercial sales, market access (managed care), medical affairs, corporate affairs, legal, and compliance

Closing Date

March 23, 2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to ensure all candidates can perform at their best. If you require accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

Learn more here