State Government Affairs Director- field- CA, AZ, NV AK

Position: State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK
State Government Affairs Director – field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK

Join Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a State Government Affairs Director, a field‑based role covering California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. The incumbent must reside in the region.

Job Description

Director of State Government Affairs will develop and implement the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy. The role works closely with patient advocacy, communications, policy, medical affairs, and commercial teams to lead public policy efforts and advance Vertex’s goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and lead the company’s state/regional public policy efforts.

• Work collaboratively with communications, patient advocacy, policy, medical affairs, and marketing to align state public policy goals with company objectives and patient needs.

• Analyze and monitor legislation, regulations, and political activity that may impact Vertex.

• Drive strategy and create action plans to influence policy change.

• Develop and maintain high‑level relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, external organizations, and stakeholders to achieve Vertex goals.

• Collaborate with and facilitate advocacy coalitions for specific public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and Vertex’s commercial and pipeline disease area issues.

• Lead complex cross‑functional initiatives that impact the team.

• Develop written analyses, testimony, and background materials supporting Vertex objectives.

• Leverage existing relationships and foster partnerships with additional community‑based organizations and coalitions to reach public policy and company goals.

• Integrate Vertex’s public relations objectives with the state/regional public policy strategy in partnership with cross‑functional collaborators, identifying opportunities to increase rare disease awareness and disease‑burden awareness around Vertex’s commercial and pipeline disease areas.

• Manage contract lobbyists and oversee compliance with state laws for lobbyist registration, reporting, and political contributions.

• Identify and pursue additional opportunities to advance Vertex’s business objectives.

• Fulfill additional duties and projects as assigned.

• Exemplify Vertex’s core values in fulfilling these duties.

• Travel within the field 40–50 % of the time. Residing in California is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven to ten years of current, relevant experience in state government affairs, state government, or a major trade association with significant direct lobbying experience.

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with legislators, administrators, and other government and community leaders.

• Strong knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems.

• Outstanding strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in science, law, government, or public policy.

• Pharmaceutical or healthcare sector experience strongly preferred.

• High energy and passion toward patients, science, and public health.

• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence all levels of business.

• Detail‑oriented, self‑initiating, well‑organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently.

• Innovative thinking and ability to develop creative solutions.

• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and demonstrated integrity.

• Desire to work in a highly innovative corporate culture focused on redefining health.

Pay Range

$199,500 – $299,200

Disclosure Statement

The range above is a reasonable estimate of the base salary at the time of posting. The role is eligible for an annual bonus, annual equity awards, and possibly overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements. Base salary is determined by skills, experience, and other factors as permitted by law. Vertex offers market‑leading benefits, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, educational assistance, commuting subsidy, charitable donation matching, 401(k), and more.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company investing in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Applicants requiring accommodations should contact Talent Acquisition at .

#JLjbffr