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

Job Description

Director State Government Affairs will be responsible for developing and implementing the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy. This position works closely with patient advocacy, communications, policy, medical affairs, and commercial teams to lead public policy efforts and advance our company’s goals. Field‑based position. Incumbent resides in the region (CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK).

• Developing, coordinating, and leading the company’s state/regional public policy efforts.
• Working collaboratively with communications, patient advocacy, policy, medical affairs, and marketing departments to ensure state public policy goals align with company objectives and serve patient needs.
• Analyzing and monitoring legislation, regulations, and political activity related to issues that may impact the company.
• Driving strategy and creating plans of action to affect policy change.
• Developing and maintaining high-level relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, external organizations, and stakeholders to achieve company goals.
• Collaborating with and facilitating advocacy coalitions for specific public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and the company’s commercial and pipeline disease area policy issues.
• Leading complex cross‑functional initiatives that have impact across the team.
• Developing written analyses, testimony, and background materials in support of company objectives.
• Leveraging pre‑existing relationships and facilitating partnerships with additional community‑based organizations and coalitions to reach policy and company goals.
• Integrating public relations objectives with the state/regional public policy strategy, identifying opportunities to increase rare disease awareness and disease burden awareness, especially around commercial and pipeline disease areas.
• Managing contract lobbyists and overseeing compliance with state laws for lobbyist registration, reporting, and political contributions.
• Identifying and pursuing additional opportunities to advance the company’s business objectives.
• Fulfilling other duties/projects as assigned.
• Exemplifying the company’s core values in fulfilling these job duties.

Field travel required 40‑50% (Incumbent resides in the region. California preferred).

• Minimum of seven to ten years of current and 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 members of the legislature, administration, and other government and community leaders.
• Significant knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems.
• Demonstrated 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.
• A high level of energy and passion toward patients, science, and public health.
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact and influence all levels of business.
• Detail‑oriented, self‑initiating, well‑organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and demonstrated integrity on the job.
• A desire to work in the corporate culture of a highly innovative company aimed at redefining health and transforming lives with new medicines.

$199,500 – $299,200

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our…