Vice President, Regulatory and International Affairs

About the job
Organization

The Animal Health Institute (AHI) is the national trade association representing manufacturers of animal health products, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and biologicals for companion animals and food-producing animals. AHI works to ensure the availability of safe, effective veterinary medicines that protect animal health and welfare and support a sustainable global food system.
AHI represents its members’ interests in U.S. regulatory, legislative, and policy arenas, working closely with federal agencies, Congress, and international standard-setting organizations, including Codex Alimentarius. The Institute collaborates extensively with veterinary and producer organizations whose members rely on animal health products and services.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Regulatory & International Affairs provides strategic leadership and execution for the association’s regulatory and international affairs portfolio. Responsibilities include facilitating in person and virtual membership engagement with Food and Drug Association-Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and directing AHI industry response to draft regulations, guidance documents and relevant federal register solicitations for public comment. In addition, this role serves as a senior regulatory strategist and representative to U.S. regulators and global standard-setting bodies, including Codex Alimentarius.
This position works closely with AHI leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with the association’s strategy, member priorities, and evolving domestic and international regulatory landscapes. Success in this role requires strategic leadership, scientific credibility and regulatory fluency, and communication skills to effectively represent the industry, negotiate complex policy issues, and build durable consensus among diverse stakeholders.
The ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving policy environment is essential to advancing science-based regulatory outcomes at both the federal and state levels.

Key Responsibilities

•Develop and implement AHI’s annual regulatory and international affairs strategy, aligned with the association’s strategic plan and member priorities.
•Act as chief industry representative on FDA matters such as the Animal Drug User Fee Program (ADUFA).
•Represent the association in domestic and international policy forums, including governmental, non-governmental, and industry coalitions such as the Food Industry Codex Coalition.
•Lead AHI’s regulatory efforts, including providing expert input for legislative engagement, public presentations, and testimony before state and federal bodies as needed.
•Oversee the Animal Drug Section and associated committees and working groups, ensuring effective governance, issue prioritization, and member engagement.
•Direct AHI’s international regulatory harmonization activities for animal drugs including engagement with Veterinary International Conference on Harmonization (VICH), Codex Alimentarius, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to advance science-based global standards.
•Collaborate across regulatory, legislative/state and public affairs, communications, and member engagement teams to integrate scientific and regulatory priorities into cohesive advocacy, policy, and outreach strategies, including major member meetings and events.
•Act as a hands-on leader in a lean organization, balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day support, including occasional operational or administrative tasks related to managing the Animal Health Drug section.

Qualifications

•10+ years demonstrated leadership in regulatory affairs, scientific policy, or related fields, preferably within animal health, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, food safety, biotechnology, or closely related sectors.
•Strong knowledge of U.S. regulatory processes. FDA experience is strongly preferred and the ability to engage credibly with regulators and industry stakeholders.
•Proven experience representing an organization externally, including public speaking, committee participation, negotiation, and consensus-building.
•Excellent strategic, analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science and policy into clear messaging.
•Experience with international regulatory harmonization and standard-setting bodies, including Codex Alimentarius, WOAH, and VICH.
•Experience working in or with trade associations, multi-stakeholder coalitions, or public policy environments.
•Experience supporting advocacy efforts or providing scientific input in policy and legislative contexts.
•Advanced degree (DVM or PhD preferred) or equivalent experience preferred but not required.

Job Location

AHI’s office is located at 1325 G Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005. Candidate must be located in the Washington, DC metro area as this is an in-office position.

Travel

Up to 15% travel, primarily within the United States, with some international travel.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and will reflect the tailored nature of the role. AHI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including premium healthcare, 401(k), paid leave, and additional benefits.

Reporting

This position reports to the President and CEO.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV or résumé and cover letter in PDF format to [email protected].