Director Government Relations - Animal Health

MSD•Columbia, DC

10d•$190,800 - $300,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Federal Public Policy & Government Relations leads the company’s engagement with federal policymakers on behalf of the Animal Health North American business. The role covers congressional engagement, technology policy, and trade policy. The Director manages policy issues at the congressional, agency, and administration levels, including federal legislative engagement and work with stakeholders through direct relationships, coalitions, and trade associations. Relevant issue areas include animal health, One Health and zoonoses, animal welfare, animal traceability, biotechnology, precision agriculture, animal monitoring, veterinary telehealth, and technology policy. The Director leads policy engagement across North America on technology-business issues, developing strategies with internal technology leaders that support adoption of animal identification, traceability, monitoring, and data-driven solutions. The role also coordinates public-policy work on trade issues affecting the North American business and maintains relationships with relevant federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, and international bodies.

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.
Strong strategic thinking and awareness of how the broader economic and public policy landscape affects business priorities.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Proven 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.
Skills listed include 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, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, or the 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 Animal Health North American business.
Develop and lead engagement strategies with Congress, relevant federal agencies, including USDA and FDA, and the administration.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the company presents a unified voice in meetings with federal government officials.
Use relationships and networks to advance science- and evidence-based policies that affect the business and deliver value for customers.
Coordinate with the internal team on trade strategy for issues 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 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.
Develop and execute policy strategies supporting adoption of animal identification, traceability, monitoring, and data-driven technology solutions.
Engage government officials, coalitions, and trade associations to position the company as a trusted voice on animal health technology.
Build and maintain relationships with trade staff at relevant federal agencies, D.C.-based embassies, and international bodies.