Director Policy/Government Relations

MSD • Columbia, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director supports global public policy efforts related to the Company’s infectious disease therapeutic area franchises, with primary responsibility for leading development and implementation of public policy strategies for the HIV prevention program. In collaboration with global franchise and cross-functional teams, regional and country policy teams, senior policy leadership, and Corporate Affairs, the Director helps develop and execute the global plan for the HIV prevention program. This includes identifying, analyzing, and responding to public policy issues; developing and implementing therapeutic-area policy strategies and positions; and advocating for the Company’s strategic business priorities.

The role leads global policy planning in coordination with cross-functional teams and supports policy positions and stakeholder engagement strategies for the introduction, access, reimbursement, implementation, and uptake of the HIV prevention portfolio. It partners with commercial, market access, medical affairs, outcomes research, communications, and regional teams to identify policy barriers and advance prevention access, innovation, and method mix choice. The Director also coordinates internal advocacy, guides regional and country policy teams, builds relationships with external stakeholders, represents the Company in policy forums, and manages external consultants and policy projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required.
• At least 10 years of experience addressing public policy issues.
• Strong knowledge of HIV-related issues, including experience related to HIV prevention.
• Experience with and expert knowledge of governmental and non-governmental organizations active in global public policy issues.
• Strong knowledge of global healthcare public policy processes, including the roles and influence of various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify strategic priorities and work within a matrix organization to achieve policy goals.
• Experience managing consultants and budgets.
• Ability to work collaboratively and inclusively.
• Excellent written and oral English-language communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or graduate degree in a field related to healthcare policy.
• At least 5 years of experience in the global policy space.
• Experience engaging HIV community, advocacy, multilateral, public health, and global health stakeholders.
• Experience addressing policy issues related to prevention access, reimbursement, health technology assessment, healthcare financing, public health programs, and implementation of preventive health interventions.
• Understanding of issues affecting access to HIV prevention services, including barriers affecting populations disproportionately impacted by HIV.
• Experience with public health prevention programs, immunization programs, sexual health services, HIV prevention programs, or implementation of population-based health interventions.

Responsibilities

• Manage development and implementation of global public policy strategic plans in coordination with cross-functional teams and planning processes, supporting Global Commercial Team therapeutic-area strategies.
• Lead development of policy positions and stakeholder engagement strategies to support introduction, access, reimbursement, implementation, and uptake of the Company’s HIV prevention portfolio.
• Partner with commercial, market access, medical affairs, outcomes research, communications, and regional teams to identify and address policy barriers and advance prevention access, innovation, and method mix choice.
• Coordinate with Global Public Policy teams, senior Global Public Policy management, Corporate Affairs stakeholders, the Global Business Unit, Global Franchise, Global Commercial Teams, and other internal teams.
• Engage regional and country policy teams, providing strategic guidance and policy coordination for policy strategy development and implementation.
• Coordinate Company advocacy with public policy agencies and organizations to ensure it is consistent and effective.
• Develop and maintain relationships with governmental, multilateral, non-governmental, and patient advocacy stakeholders.
• Engage and collaborate with HIV prevention stakeholders, including community and advocacy organizations, public health agencies, multilateral organizations, healthcare providers, and other partners.
• Represent the Company in industry and other external policy-related forums.
• Manage external consultants and policy development projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director