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 to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

As Head of State Corporateand 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 US.  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 US 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 US.

• Lead, mentor, and develop state-based State Government Affairs team members.

• Partner, successfully Collaborate, and Align with peer SCGA leader in the East.

• Engage with external thought leaders; apply your regulatory know-how.  

• Demonstrate appropriate influencing skills with external stakeholders and acumen to internal stakeholders.

• Engage and demonstrate leadership with trade associations and/or committees with 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 on senior level BIO state focused work groups and committees and represent the company’s interests therein; and represent the company in social/professional settings.

• Ensure the team’s strategic alignment and pull-through of proactive business priorities in identified priority states, including in the areas of pricing, reimbursement, access, and quality.

• Create strategies and campaignsreflecting business values and objectivestooptimize outcomes and defend against harmful, external proprietary legislative policy proposals. 

• As a member of the US Corporate Affairs Leadership Team; provide leadership within the company on state public policy issues; and ensure alignment and integration with key business objectives and strategies among all stakeholders in the company.

• Identify, analyze and act on emerging state legislative and regulatory matters.

• Assist in the execution of the AZ Political Action Committee (AZPAC) strategy.

• Lead the strategic decision making on state public policy in all therapeutic areas within AstraZeneca’s portfolio.

• Highlight to internal business partners how connected state ecosystemsare to their own priorities and pulling through AstraZeneca’s ambitions.

• Provide performance feedback and development support to your team; infuse State Government Affairs team with “best in class” best practices.

Essential Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree.

• 10 years experience in state government affairs, public policy and/or legal, and commercial leadership.

• At least 5 years of leading a team with direct reports.

• Strong & demonstrated  internal stakeholder building capabilities.

• Strong interpersonal, communications (public speaking and writing) skills.

• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.

• Experience with cross-functional teams (ally development, public relations, health policy).

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a highly matrixed corporation.

• Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory issues and state regulatory and political processes.

• Deep knowledge of the healthcare industry especially with public & private payers, supply chains, and state/federal political influence on the pharmaceutical business.

• Proficiency in standard business software applications.

• Strong understanding of budget activities and ability to manage budgets

• Amenable to lobbyist's travel/schedule (including late night, off-hour and weekend responsibilities) -- Up to 40 % travel is required.

• Travel to company locations in Wilmington DE, Gaithersburg MD, and Washington DC as needed.

Preferred Requirements:

• Graduate or law degree.

• More than 10 years experience in state government affairs, public policy, or legal.

• Strong commercial experience and background.

• At least 5 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Demonstrated strong external relationships with key external stakeholders in Congress, the Executive Branch and trade associations such as BIO

• Demonstrated ability to shape the external environment through interactions with state officials

• Experience with pharmaceutical cross-functional teams (ally development, public relations, health policy, commercial leadership).

• Demonstrated ability to manage corporate relationships with trade associations.

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally.

• Strong understanding of the activities undertaken by political action committees.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across commercial sales, market access (managed care), medical affairs, corporate affairs, legal, and compliance.