Director, State Government Affairs

Working with Us
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Position Summary 

The Director of State Government Affairs (SGA) is accountable for shaping health care policy to benefit patient access, affordability, and innovation. This position is responsible for serving as the primary representative of BMS to the assigned state legislatures, state executive branch and associated state agencies to generate awareness and support for the BMS public policy agenda. This SGA Director role is a field-based opportunity with responsibility for California, Hawaii and Montana. The position is California based. With the regional lead, the Director will establish legislative and policy objectives in coordination with USPGA leadership to ensure alignment with overall departmental goals, objectives and key corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Educate state policymakers about BMS’ business interests and advocate for legislative solutions focused on patient affordability and access. Assist on issues as they arise related to BMS facility sites in California.
• Help further USPGA’s goals and explore opportunities for BMS to collaborate and advance implementation of policies to ensure patient access to medicines. 
• Maximize opportunities to establish business connectivity and collaborate with the communications, local government affairs and alliance teams to ensure seamless coordination internally and externally. 
• Assess impact of proposed state legislation on the businesses within the BMS portfolio and propose and guide lobbying strategies and potential financial impact.
• Manage local budgets and coordinate campaign contributions and memberships for the region. 
• Work to leverage BMS memberships in business and industry trade groups.
• Partner closely with multiple cross-functional teams to analyze access and payment policies proposed by government and commercial payers, including rules and guidance from state Medicaid agencies, state legislatures, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop targeted engagements with key stakeholders at state legislatures and with the Governor’s office and other key agencies
• Demonstrate commitment to ensuring patient access to innovative medicines and the importance of a thriving biopharmaceutical industry. 

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of 8 years experience in lobbying, advocacy or state government service focused on healthcare and/or Medicaid issues in state government or relevant pharmaceutical/private sector experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Excellent verbal, analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills, particularly in interpreting and distilling complex information.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships, internally and externally.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven and fast-paced environment including managing multiple projects and working with team members in different time zones.
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including trade associations and large coalitions, and ability to proactively drive consensus.
• Travel in the region is required. 

• The starting compensation for this job is a range from $200,000- $260,000, plus incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility).
• The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills and where the job is performed.
• Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
• Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit our BMS Ca