Head of Government Affairs

TL;DR

Head of Government Affairs (Biopharma): Develop and execute comprehensive government affairs strategy at federal and state levels with an accent on legislative and regulatory monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. Focus on building relationships with Congress, FDA, HHS, managing external firms, and aligning with cross-functional teams on rare disease policies and commercial priorities.

Location: Hybrid role based out of Washington, D.C. Occasional domestic travel 10-20%.

Salary: $280,000–$382,500 Annual

Company

Global biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for patients with serious and rare diseases.

What you will do

• Develop, lead, and implement government affairs strategy aligned with pipeline, commercial, and corporate priorities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and communicate implications to senior leadership.
• Build relationships with Members of Congress, agency officials, and trade associations.
• Represent company positions on drug approval, reimbursement, pricing, and public health policies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and others.
• Manage external firms, lobbyists, and budget for advocacy efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; JD, MPP, MBA or relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 12–15 years in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory affairs in pharma/biotech/life sciences.
• Track record influencing federal healthcare legislation and policy.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. legislative process, FDA pathways, CMS reimbursement, rare disease policy.
• Established relationships on Capitol Hill and with FDA, HHS, CMS, NIH.
• Experience managing external firms and lobbyists.

Nice to have

• Experience in rare disease, orphan drug, or specialty pharma policy.
• Prior government agency or leading government affairs firm experience.
• Engagement with rare disease patient advocacy organizations.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health support, EAP, wellbeing reimbursement.
• Generous PTO, fertility/family benefits, caregiver support, flexible schedules.
• 401(k) with match, equity awards, ESPP, company-paid life/disability insurance.
• Learning Institute with LinkedIn Learning, workshops, mentorship, networking.
• Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, recognition programs.