Senior Director, Federal Government Relations

Salary Range:
$150,000.00 To $190,000.00 Annually

About California Life Sciences

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has served the community by supporting companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. As integral components of a healthy and collaborative ecosystem, CLS also works closely with universities, academic and research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners that promote this vibrant sector. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, CLS works to shape public policy, improve access to breakthrough technologies, educate lawmakers, and advance equity within our ecosystem by championing innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times. In doing so, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and nurture California’s life sciences industry, empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world. #WeAreCaliforniaLifeSciences

CLS currently offers a full suite of team member benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) plans with matching, FSA and HSA options, and a generous paid time off and paid holiday schedule.

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Federal Government Relations will serve as the head of the CLS Washington, DC office overseeing the execution of federal strategy and legislative agenda. This includes engaging in direct legislative and policy advocacy activities with members of the California delegation and their staff, as well as with other legislative and committee offices, federal departments, and agencies. Primary responsibilities of this role include working with CLS membership, key stakeholders, and policymakers to advance policy objectives that create a favorable environment for California’s life sciences industry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the head of the CLS Washington, DC office.
• Identify, monitor, and update membership on policy, regulatory, and legislative-related issues relevant to CLS’s federal policy agenda.
• Support the expansion and implementation of outreach/education and legislative advocacy programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with CLS member companies, partner associations, and other affiliate organizations.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Members of Congress and their staff and the Administration that are important to CLS’s goals and objectives.
• Create engagement opportunities for CLS membership and priority policymakers.
• Proactively organize roundtables, briefings, facility tours, and issue education events in Washington, DC, and California for policymakers and CLS membership.
• Provide recommendations on legislative, executive, and regulatory strategy in consultation with relevant internal and external staff, and when appropriate, in cooperation with outside coalitions and trade associations.
• Represent CLS with outside groups, including elected officials, trade associations, patient groups, and other interested stakeholders.
• Solicit sponsorship in support of CLS events and programs related, but not limited to, programs in Washington, DC (including Annual Spring Reception and Visionary Awards, End of Year Reception, Annual Fly-In, Life Sciences Summit, etc.).
• Support membership relations and business development opportunities.
• Assist with improving CLS’s understanding of membership priorities and issues facing the life sciences sector in California.
• In collaboration with Government Relations leadership, write legislative memos, briefing materials, one-pagers, and additional materials related to CLS policy priorities as needed.

Background and Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience
• 7+ years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience
• Must register as a federal lobbyist
• Experience implementing strategic campaigns to influence policy
• Ability to master complex policy and legislative issues
• Innovative, energetic, entrepreneurial, and resourceful; diplomatic, intuitive, and inquisitive; able to offer opinions, suggestions, and judgments that are supported by sound logic
• Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills
• Utilizes initiative to problem solve and succeed in evolving environments
• Strong collaboration and negotiating skills
• Demonstrated record of strong bipartisanship collaboration
• Strong teamwork, project management, and analytical/critical thinking skills
• Availability to support and attend frequent early morning and late evening events (with advance notice)
• Models the organization’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or J.D.
• Direct experience on Capitol Hill
• Experience working with California elected officials and staff
• Political or issue campaign experience

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Learn more here