Director, Public Affairs

Bristol Myers Squibb • Washington, DC

1d • $206,210 - $249,878 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, Public Affairs, the Director, Public Affairs will drive Bristol Myers Squibb's integrated public affairs strategy at the federal and state levels and in key priority markets, advancing the company's policy agenda, enterprise priorities, and reputation with critical government, political, and stakeholder audiences. Based in Washington, D.C., this role sits at the intersection of politics, policy, and corporate strategy. The Director will serve as a strategist and operator, collaborating on and executing sophisticated public affairs campaigns that build support for BMS's positions, educate and engage stakeholders on harmful public policy, and strengthen the company's standing among influential decision-makers in and around the nation's capital. This position requires a seasoned political and public affairs professional who brings deep experience with high-stakes, multi-stakeholder campaigns, and who understands how to leverage digital engagement, coalition building, third-party advocacy, and strategic communications to advance a complex legislative and regulatory agenda. Experience in the health care sector, pharmaceutical industry, or business community is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8-10 years of demonstrated experience in political campaigns, corporate public affairs, advocacy, or a related field—with a proven track record of designing and executing successful strategic campaigns at the state, federal or national level.
• Familiarity with the federal legislative and regulatory process, as well as federal and state political landscapes.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and managing complex, multi-party relationships toward a defined strategic outcome.
• Strong political instincts and judgment—ability to read political environments quickly, identify opportunities and threats, and advise senior leadership with confidence and clarity.
• Expertise in integrated campaign strategy and vendor management, including earned and paid media, digital and social advocacy, grassroots and grasstops mobilization, and stakeholder communications.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to craft compelling narratives, talking points, op-eds, and executive-ready materials that engage diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills—demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple high-priority work streams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• University degree required.
• Key attributes: sound political judgment, personal integrity, executive presence, intellectual agility, ability to thrive under pressure, strong collaborative instincts, and an unwavering commitment to team culture and shared mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the health care sector, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, or the broader business community strongly preferred; a working understanding of U.S. health policy, drug pricing, and patient access issues is a significant asset.
• Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement Strategic Public Affairs Campaigns: Identify and develop integrated public affairs strategies to advance BMS's public policy priorities, protect enterprise interests, and build political support for the company's positions with Members of Congress, state legislators, Administration officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Advocacy & Digital Strategy: Execute advocacy programs that activate key constituencies, utilizing digital engagement best practices to amplify BMS's policy positions, and expand the company's political footprint in priority regions and markets.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with U.S. Policy & Government Affairs teams to ensure alignment between public affairs strategy and broader business and policy objectives.
• Political Intelligence & Landscape Analysis: Monitor, analyze, and provide guidance on the federal and state political environments, legislative developments, regulatory activity, and election dynamics that may create risk or opportunity for BMS. Translate complex political and policy intelligence into clear, actionable strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building: Work cross-functionally with BMS teams to identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with key political, policy, and advocacy stakeholders—including patient groups, professional associations, business coalitions, think tanks, and community organizations to build durable support for BMS's policy agenda.
• Campaign Planning & Execution: Develop and manage comprehensive public affairs campaign plans, including message development, paid media strategy, digital engagement, and field operations, to advance BMS's enterprise priorities and policy positions.
• Reporting & Metrics: Track and evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs programs and campaigns, providing regular reporting to the Executive Director on progress, outcomes, and strategic adjustments.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays Based on eligibility, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees