Sr Director, State Govt. Affairs

JOB SUMMARY

The position is responsible for advocating Emergent BioSolutions’ Corporate interests to state elected officials, appointees, regulatory agencies and other key decision makers in an assigned region. The successful candidate will advocate for legislative, regulatory and health policies and establish relationships with patient / provider stakeholders on key health policy issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Interface with state and local agencies and organizations involved with covered therapeutic areas and Emergent BioSolutions’ corporate interests.
• Actively collaborate with the VP of State Government Affairs, other Emergent team members, and Emergent Government Affairs team members to identify policy risks and opportunities, and align strategies, activities, and resources to optimize access and a supportive business environment.
• Manage contract lobbyists and consultants to focus their activities on key priorities within their respective states.
• Develop integrated state government affairs strategies for priority states in collaboration with state and national lobbyists in connection with identified state political strategies.
• Attend and actively participate in state regulatory, legislative and advocacy meetings. Identify state specific conference attendance, faculty presentations and events.
• Develop a political engagement strategy for each assigned state in full compliance with state lobbying and ethics laws and regulations.
• Communicate company policy positions and operational concerns to state legislators and executive branch policymakers in assigned states.
• Establish partnerships with key external alliance partners in supported therapeutic areas and implement custom plans through targeted programs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with members of the numerous medical organizations, i.e. state societies, or other organizations as it pertains to access and eliminating barriers to achieving Emergent objectives.
• Participate, as appropriate, in national/state-focused groups to expand engagement and shape their policy positions (e.g. Governors and Lt. Governors associations, Legislative Associations and other similar organizations.)
• Actively participate in industry trade associations such as Chambers of Commerce and other allied groups to shape industry and business community positions.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders that foster open communications and an understanding of the payer landscape and its impact on our current business and potential future impact.
• Establish partnerships with key alliance partners in the supported therapeutic areas and implement custom plans through targeted programs.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS

• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent required. Advanced Degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience interacting with policy and political leadership at the state or local level, to include several years of experience in a pharmaceutical or device sales role.
• Strong understanding of state government process
• History of success in working with Governors, Policy Makers, Cabinet Members and associated functions
• Prior experience with opioid antagonist or related products and/or experience within substance abuse treatment environment a plus
• Direct lobbying experience and/or legislative staff experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Understanding and passion to assist those suffering from chronic substance abuse, dependency and the associated comorbid conditions.
• Understanding of how the political environment (both local and national) can affect patient access to products.
• Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical development process and health care environment.
• Ability to build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders is essential.
• Strong critical thinking/problem solving skills.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong project management skills, ability to manage multiple high priorities, identify resource needs, drive to completion, prepare reports, and evaluate results.
• Strong business analytic skills to assess potential opportunities across the division
• Excellent interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in presenting and tailoring presentations to audience, engaging audience and adapting to last minute changes.
• Exposure to tax, tort, regulatory and compliance laws and rules is preferred.

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