Deputy Vice President, Law (Artificial Intelligence)

PHRMA•Washington, DC

2d•$243,200 - $346,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Deputy Vice President for its Law team to support legal and policy efforts involving artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies relevant to the biopharmaceutical industry. The role serves as PhRMA’s lead legal strategist on data governance and privacy; national and biosecurity; AI-related safety and product liability; AI governance, regulatory oversight, and transparency; and AI infrastructure and competitive access. The Deputy Vice President provides strategic legal counsel across the organization, leads cross-functional initiatives, engages with member companies and external stakeholders, and helps shape PhRMA’s positions on evolving legal and policy issues at the intersection of technology, innovation, and healthcare. The role calls for a forward-thinking legal leader who can anticipate risks and opportunities, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, guide strategic priorities, and align departmental efforts with broader organizational goals. PhRMA seeks a visionary, relationship-driven, and impact-focused individual who can serve as a trusted advisor, influence stakeholders, manage resources, and lead cross-functional initiatives. The position requires a J.D. from an accredited law school, active membership in good standing with at least one state bar, and at least 10 years of relevant legal experience. The role requires travel as requested and availability after hours and on weekends. PhRMA describes its work as representing innovative biopharmaceutical research companies and advocating for solutions that help patients access and afford medicines. The position offers a salary of $243,200–$346,700 per annum, commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. The position works in the office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays; employees also work remotely in August.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
At least 10 years of relevant legal experience in privacy, biosecurity, artificial intelligence, technology law, digital health, data governance, regulatory law, or related fields consistent with Deputy Vice President-level expectations.
Demonstrated expertise in federal data governance and privacy laws, emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks, and related technology and national security laws or biosecurity programs.
Significant experience advising organizations on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters involving technology and data.
Experience engaging with government agencies, policymakers, trade associations, industry coalitions, or other external stakeholders.
Strong understanding of the legal and policy implications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automated decision-making systems, and other emerging technologies.
Exceptional writing, editing, analytical, and presentation skills.
Ability to explain complex legal and technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives and managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
Experience developing and maintaining productive relationships with senior stakeholders.
Sound judgment and ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Willingness to travel as requested and be responsive or available after hours and on weekends.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the biopharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, technology, or other highly regulated sectors.
Experience leading industry workgroups, coalitions, or public policy initiatives.
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), or similar credentials.
Experience managing outside counsel and consultants.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic legal counsel to PhRMA leadership and staff on AI, data governance and privacy, biosecurity, and technology-related issues affecting the association and its members.
Lead the development and implementation of PhRMA’s legal strategy on artificial intelligence, data privacy, biosecurity, data governance, and emerging technologies relevant to the biopharmaceutical industry.
Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, litigation, and policy developments at federal, state, and international levels.
Assess emerging legislation, regulatory proposals, liability frameworks, and data governance issues, and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
Develop and maintain expertise in emerging AI legal and regulatory frameworks, privacy and data governance laws, biosecurity considerations, and digital health regulations addressing AI use.
Represent PhRMA before government agencies, policymakers, coalitions, trade associations, and other stakeholders on relevant legal matters.
Lead and facilitate member company legal workgroups as necessary.
Coordinate with PhRMA colleagues, departments, member companies, outside counsel, consultants, and industry partners to develop and advance policy positions and advocacy strategies.
Draft legal analyses, position papers, comment letters, guidance documents, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
Collaborate with PhRMA attorneys and IT staff on contracts, AI governance, and operational issues involving technology vendors, data-sharing arrangements, cybersecurity, and AI-enabled tools, as requested.
Collaborate with PhRMA attorneys on related FDA regulatory, intellectual property, and international legal issues, as requested.
Build and maintain relationships with member company legal, privacy, national security, and government affairs professionals.
Support crisis response efforts involving biosecurity, data governance and privacy, and other emerging technology issues as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus program.
Opportunities for reward and recognition.
Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, and STD benefits.
Parental leave.
Well-being program.
On-site fitness facility.
Back-up care.
Health advocate service.
Employee assistance program.
Commuting benefits.
401(k) plan with employer contributions beginning on the first day of hire and immediate vesting.
Paid time off plan.
Ten paid holidays plus Inauguration Day.
Half-day Fridays preceding holidays and during summer months.
Paid winter break.
Integrated onboarding program and leadership programming.
Tuition reimbursement.
Industry on-site and off-site training.
Management and professional development programs.
Community service activities, fundraising drives, and charitable athletic events.