Director, Federal Government Affairs (Democratic Lead)

BridgeBio Pharma•Washington, DC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

In 2015, we pioneered a “moneyball for biotech” approach, pooling projects and promising early-stage research from academia together under one financial umbrella to reduce risk and unleash innovation. This model allows science and small teams of experts to lead the way. We build bridges to groundbreaking advancements in rare disease, and develop life-changing medicines for patients with unmet needs as fast as humanly possible. Together we define white space, push boundaries and empower people to solve problems. If you're someone who defies convention, join us and work alongside some of the most respected minds in the industry. Together, we'll ask "why not?" and help reengineer the future of biopharma. Reporting to the Executive Director, Government Affairs, the Director will help drive BridgeBio’s federal policy strategy and shape the company’s engagement across Congress, federal agencies, and key industry coalitions. You will serve as a principal representative and strategic lead of BridgeBio’s federal policy strategy, ensuring the company’s voice is clearly represented in the national debates shaping drug development, biomedical innovation, and patient access to life-changing therapies. This role is a core member of BridgeBio’s Policy & Advocacy team, a highly collaborative function that works across scientific, regulatory, commercial, patient advocacy, and communications units to anticipate policy risks and shape opportunities that impact BridgeBio’s pipeline and patient communities. The Director will be responsible for building and sustaining trusted relationships with lawmakers, committee staff, and aligned stakeholders, ensuring BridgeBio is positioned as a credible and influential stakeholder. The Director will anticipate and interpret legislative and policy developments, translating federal policy shifts into strategic guidance that informs enterprise planning and pipeline strategy. They will advise senior leadership and inform enterprise decision-making to support senior executives, program leaders, and affiliate organizations as they engage in matters affecting drug development, rare disease therapies, oncology innovation, and market access. The Director will help shape the company’s federal political engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with BridgeBio’s long-term scientific and policy objectives. The Director will embody BridgeBio’s science-driven, entrepreneurial culture in advancing its federal policy priorities.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic legislative or government affairs professional with a deep understanding of the federal policy environment shaping drug development, biomedical innovation, and patient access. This individual brings a proven track record of building trusted, influential relationships across Congress, federal agencies, and the broader health policy ecosystem. They are energized by complex, evolving policy challenges and know how to translate those challenges into actionable strategies that advance organizational priorities.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sophisticated federal engagement strategies that advance organizational priorities across Congress, federal agencies, and key policymaking bodies. Brings a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and can effectively shape, influence, and respond to evolving policy landscapes. Given BridgeBio’s current landscape and existing team composition, this role will complement and expand the company’s reach by bringing deep experience within Democratic circles.
A proven relationship-builder with established networks in Congress and committee offices. Skilled at forging trusted partnerships with policymakers, industry groups, coalitions, and aligned advocacy organizations. Able to represent BridgeBio with credibility, diplomacy, and compelling presence.
Exceptional ability to monitor, interpret, and anticipate federal legislative and administrative actions affecting drug development, regulatory pathways, innovation incentives, and patient access. Adept at distilling complex policy issues into actionable insights for scientific, regulatory, commercial, and executive audiences.
Thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Works fluidly across functions—including Regulatory Affairs, Patient Advocacy, Corporate Communications, Commercial, and R&D—to embed policy considerations into pipeline planning and business strategy. Influences without authority and aligns stakeholders around shared objectives.
Strong communicator who can craft clear, compelling briefing materials, talking points, and strategic recommendations for senior leaders. Able to serve as a trusted advisor on federal policy matters, supporting leadership visibility, external engagements, and internal decision-making.
Deep commitment to BridgeBio’s mission and a demonstrated ability to translate patient-centered values into effective public policy strategy. The Director will ensure that federal policy decisions support timely development and access to transformative therapies for patients with genetic diseases.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in federal government affairs, congressional work, biopharma policy advocacy, or life-sciences government relations
A bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, or a related field preferred
Established relationships within the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the White House, with a demonstrated track record of successful engagement and influence
Strong knowledge of health policy, drug development processes, regulatory frameworks, and issues central to the biopharmaceutical ecosystem
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-moving environment while remaining highly organized and self-directed
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse internal stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for candidates who have operated at the senior-most levels of Democratic House offices (e.g., Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, senior committee counsel/advisor), demonstrating trusted relationships and deep understanding of congressional decision-making dynamics
Familiarity with issues related to FDA policy, clinical development, incentives for innovation, and access for rare disease therapies is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Federal Government Affairs Strategy
Relationship-Building & Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Analysis, Forecasting & Translation
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
Strategic Communication & Executive Support
Mission Orientation & Patient-Centered Advocacy

Benefits

Market leading compensation
401K with 100% employer match on first 3% & 50% on the next 2%
Employee stock purchase program
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Referral program with $2,500 award for hired referrals
Comprehensive health care with 100% premiums covered - no cost to you and dependents
Mental health support via Spring Health (6 therapy sessions & 6 coaching sessions)
Hybrid work model - employees have the autonomy in where and how they do their work
Unlimited flexible paid time off - take the time that you need
Paid parental leave - 4 months for birthing parents & 2 months for non-birthing parents
Flex spending accounts & company-provided group term life & disability
Subsidized lunch via Forkable on days worked from our office
People are part of our growth and success story - from discovery to active drug trials and FDA pipelines, there are endless opportunities for skill development and internal mobility
We provide career pathing through regular feedback, continuous education and professional development programs via LinkedIn Learning, LifeLabs, Spring Health & BetterUp Coaching
We celebrate strong performance with financial rewards, peer-to-peer recognition, and growth opportunities