Senior Director, Global Policy Public Affairs

States considered: Washington, D.C.

Role Description:

Public policy issues affecting the animal health sector have grown significantly in the U.S.  Active leadership, understanding and engagement in the political and regulatory sphere has become a necessity in today’s competitive and challenging environment.

As Zoetis continues to expand its policy influence and advocacy, it is critical that the company have a physical presence and leader based in Washington, D.C.  who can represent Zoetis, shape the environment in which the company operates, and achieve our public policy goals.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The primary responsibility for the newly created Head of Federal Affairs & Global Policy will be to engage policymakers, members of Congress and administration officials.  In addition, the professional will work with trade associations and third-party stakeholders to build beneficial relationships and influence favorable outcomes on behalf of the company.  This role will work closely with the VP, U.S. Public Affairs & Global Policy to develop policy positions and strategies aligned to business objectives.  A secondary responsibility will be to contribute to policy development and engagement on issues impacting the industry, our customers, and stakeholders under the supervision of the VP, U.S. Public Affairs & Global Policy.  The individual in this role must be able to think strategically and provide thoughtful counsel pertinent to a range of policy issues and represent Zoetis with minimal direction before policymakers, external stakeholders and company leaders.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead Zoetis’ political advocacy on Capitol Hill and with the administration.
• Serve as the company’s day-to-day representative before policymakers and third parties; scheduling and attending meetings and fundraisers to advance our policy and political goals.
• Align with Zoetis’ Head, PAC & Political Affairs to develop Zoetis PAC’s contribution strategy, targets, events, and engagement.
• Align with Zoetis’ Head, PAC & Political Affairs on colleague grassroots education, engagement, activation, and messaging.
• Establish Zoetis as a partner and resource-of-choice with key U.S. government policymakers with opportunities to shape policies on animal health.
• Define and execute public policy positions that support the company's portfolio to create a competitive advantage while ensuring that these policy positions align with the overall purpose and business strategy of Zoetis.
• Work with leadership to educate and promote animal health policies and legislation favorable to Zoetis’ business strategy.
• Act as an internal champion for Public Affairs’ work and actively showcase examples for colleagues to understand value and impact of the function in commercial markets.
• Prepare and support the development of communications for several audience levels: peers, colleagues, customers, management, and senior executives (e.g., executive briefings), including with different digital tools and formats.
• Manage projects effectively and efficiently, including assisting other team members as appropriate.
• Work across all species teams, manufacturing, International and US commercial, VMRD, Legal and Regulatory
• Externally collaborate with key stakeholders, such as trade associations, professional societies, key customers, and policy thought leaders; represent Zoetis as a speaker in external fora.

QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 10-15 years of experience in animal health, policy, and/or government and public affairs
• Based in Washington, D.C.
• Experience serving as a lobbyist for a large company and/or trade association
• Capitol Hill and/or administration experience in health or agriculture
• Strong relationships with congressional and administration staff, policymakers & third parties
• Ability to identify and advocate on challenging issues with minimal supervision
• Research and communication skillsets are required to enable development of advocacy briefs, materials, talking points, presentations, etc.
• Experience and comfort-level in interacting with and supporting senior executives

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

PERSONAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex concepts easy to understand.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in fast paced environment.
• Strategic thinking – including impact of policies and engagement strategies.
• Team player - leads highly complex projects w