Director Government Relations - Animal Health

Merck•Washington, DC

11d•$190,800 - $300,300

About The Position

The Director, Federal Public Policy & Government Relations leads the company’s engagement with federal policymakers on behalf of its Animal Health North American business. The role covers congressional engagement, technology policy, and trade policy. It manages company policy issues at the Congressional, agency, and administration levels and develops strategies to support the business and advance science- and evidence-based policies. The Director leads North American policy engagement on technology issues, working with internal technology business leaders to support adoption of animal identification, traceability, monitoring, and data-driven solutions. The role also coordinates trade policy work affecting the North American business and develops relationships with federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, international bodies, coalitions, trade associations, customers, and other stakeholders. The Director collaborates with business leaders and internal teams, coordinates with government affairs functions across the broader enterprise, manages federal policy consultants, and prepares communications and executive briefings. The primary location is Washington, D.C. The listed base salary range for that location is $190,800 to $300,300, and the successful candidate will be eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least six years of experience in a relevant position within the federal government or at a corporation, trade association, or nonprofit organization that develops policy and lobbies.
Excellent relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal skills.
Political advocacy and lobbying experience.
Strong experience in policy development, political communications, and messaging.
Familiarity with the Congressional process and key regulatory processes.
Strategic thinking and awareness of how the broader economic and public policy landscape affects business priorities.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Capacity for leadership and teamwork.
Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Passion for animal health and well-being.
Consistent record of high ethical standards.
Required skills listed: adaptability, animal health care, communication coordination, compliance support, EU policy making, healthcare policies, multilateral organizations, noncommunicable diseases, patient advocacy, personal initiative, policy development, political forums, regulatory development, strategic planning, and strategic thinking.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, such as a master’s, J.D., or DVM.
Experience with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, or House or Senate Agriculture Committees.
Experience with trade issues, including work with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, United States Department of Commerce, and foreign embassies.

Responsibilities

Lead federal relationships across the entire Animal Health North American business.
Develop and lead engagement strategy with Congress, relevant federal agencies including USDA and FDA, and the administration; collaborate internally to ensure a unified company voice in meetings with federal officials.
Use relationships and networks to advance science- and evidence-based policies that affect the business and deliver value for customers.
Lead policy engagement across North America on technology issues, developing and executing strategies with internal technology business leaders to support adoption of animal identification, traceability, monitoring, and data-driven solutions.
Engage government officials, coalitions, and trade associations to position the company as a trusted voice on animal health technology.
Coordinate with the internal team on trade strategy affecting the North American business.
Engage federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, customer groups, and other stakeholders on trade issues.
Build collaborative relationships with D.C.-based trade associations, professional societies, customers, and policy thought leaders.
Coordinate with the North America Animal Health public policy team on contributions to and activities of domestic and international animal health trade associations.
Directly manage hired consultants for federal policy.
Collaborate with Animal Health North American business leaders and internal teams to understand federal policy needs and opportunities aligned with business strategies.
Coordinate with state and federal government affairs functions across the broader company.
Prepare and support communications for peers, colleagues, customers, management, and senior executives, including executive briefings.
Manage related projects effectively and efficiently, including supporting other team members as appropriate.