Federal Government Affairs Director

Exact Sciences•Washington, DC

2d•$171,000 - $291,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Exact Sciences, we’re helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you’re working to help others. Position Overview The Federal Government Affairs Director (known internally as Sr Principal Federal Government Affairs Director) is a senior leader on the government affairs team, representing Exact Sciences’ portfolio of cancer screening and diagnostic tests. This role combines federal lobbying and strategic advocacy and drives federal advocacy efforts and ensures alignment between organizational goals and legislative and regulatory developments. The Director plays a critical role in shaping public policy, driving Exact Sciences’ mission, and positioning the company as a trusted partner in cancer diagnostics. The role is responsible for leading the execution of all aspects of federal lobbying efforts to support the business objectives. As a key external representative of the company, the Director cultivates and builds positive relationships with strategically important government officials, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to advocate and influence public policy to advance the company’s objectives. As a trusted internal partner, this role manages the annual government planning and review process with internal stakeholders and consultants and develops the strategy to achieve business objectives. The Director will build and maintain long-term relationships with cancer screening and diagnostics organizations and leverage these partnerships to advance Exact Sciences business objectives. Additionally, this role will lead cross-functional work with existing business-unit advocacy teams to connect opportunities that strategically position Exact Sciences as a global cancer diagnostic partner and advance its mission and policy objectives. This position follows a hybrid work arrangement that includes weekly onsite presence at our Washington, DC location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to essential duties; or Associates Degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 4 years of relevant experience.
10 years of experience in government, government relations, public policy, or related healthcare work.
Direct lobbying experience with a demonstrated ability to effectively deliver information, explain, advocate, and negotiate with a broad spectrum of individuals.
Proven track record of implementing projects with defined outcomes in government affairs, public affairs, or policy role.
Demonstrated ability to influence external stakeholder groups to advocate policy goals.
Strong proficiency in Congressional process, ethic rules, and regulations.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy or Communications.
Strong relationships with current members of the legislative, regulatory, and policy community.
Senior-level Congressional, Administration, or federal agency experience.
Experience working in the healthcare industry.

Responsibilities

Strategic advocacy: Develop and lead federal advocacy strategies that advance Exact Sciences’ mission and business objectives across Congress, federal agencies, industry coalitions, and other partners.
Relationship development: Develop and maintain high-impact relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, executive branch officials, and relevant trade associations, positioning Exact Sciences as a credible partner and thought leader.
Policy analysis: Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative and regulatory developments, primarily in healthcare, to identify opportunities and risks to Exact Sciences’ mission and business.
Internal Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure consistent and strategic messaging, aligning advocacy efforts with corporate, scientific, and commercial priorities.
External Representation: Represent Exact Sciences in industry trade associations, policy forums, and advocacy groups to help shape collective strategies and advance innovation-friendly frameworks for diagnostics.
Strong analytical, influencing skills to advocate externally and internally.
Lead stakeholder engagement by building strong relationships and effectively advocating on behalf of the Company to influence key government and external stakeholder constituencies to incorporate Exact Sciences’ perspective into critical legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives.
Lobby Members of Congress and their staff on potential/proposed legislation and the impacts of such legislation to patients.
Lead engagement with external trade associations and coalitions to ensure policy positions are promoted.
Lead the planning, organization, and coordination with internal stakeholders on policy positions and the development of legislative strategy related to cancer screening and diagnostics and other issues relevant to Exact Sciences.
Lead Exact Sciences’ federal legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development.
Ability to influence change in the legislative process.
Ability to execute planning, project management, and organizational skills with an eye for detail.
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet critical deadlines and anticipate and solve logistical problems.
Self-motivated; ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with others.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
Ability to travel 10% of working time away from work location. May include overnight/weekend travel.

Benefits

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

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