Executive Director, State Government Affairs West

Merck • North Wales, PA

1d • $255,800 - $402,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director, State Government Affairs West leads a team of 6–7 State Government Affairs Directors covering approximately 25 states in the western half of the United States. The team represents the company in interactions with state and local executive, legislative, and regulatory bodies. The role directs regional government affairs strategy and work on legislative and policy matters supporting U.S. divisions and operations, including human health and animal health. The position is site-based in Upper Gwynedd (North Wales), Pennsylvania, with remote flexibility and travel to multiple sites; travel is approximately 50% across the U.S. and routinely to Washington, DC.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in state government affairs and policy.
• Experience developing legislative policy priorities aligned with business priorities.
• Experience addressing policy issues affecting the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Experience managing and leading teams, including employee development.
• Demonstrated experience engaging executive-level leaders.
• Strong experience engaging internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state legislative policy-making processes.
• Experience analyzing state legislation.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Skills in coalition management, government relations, health equity, health technology assessment (HTA), legislative issues, media relations, people leadership, policy development, public health policy development, public policy analysis, public relations management, public speaking, regulatory development, results orientation, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the team’s work on state legislative and policy issues in support of all U.S. divisions and operations, including human health and animal health.
• Manage the activities of individual directors in the West region in their interactions with state and local officials.
• Lead execution of regional strategy to mitigate legislative policy risks that could limit access to products and support proactive policy that maintains a competitive market for innovative biopharmaceuticals.
• Manage the team’s engagement with stakeholders in legislative and executive branches of government, key state agencies, and business, trade, and health policy associations.
• As part of the leadership team, identify, analyze, and develop the company’s response to legislative policy issues affecting strategic business priorities.
• Lead assigned policy priorities for products, above-brand issues, department operations, and resource development, and manage team assignments.
• Serve as a point of contact for external stakeholder legislative, policy, and business groups to ensure alignment on policy positions.
• Work across divisions with franchise, policy, and subject matter experts to align policy priorities and strategy.
• Support and guide team members’ professional development and growth.
• Manage contractual and operational resources for the western region, including political contributions, contract counsel, and policy grant oversight.
• Ensure regional state advocacy is conducted in compliance with company policy and all state and federal laws.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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