Senior Director, State Government Relations

CALIFORNIA LIFE SCIENCES ASSOCIATION•Sacramento, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, State Government Relations serves as an advocate for the life sciences community with California state elected officials, the Governor’s office, regulatory agencies, and staff. The role works closely with CLS member companies, key stakeholders, and policymakers to identify and advance policy objectives and issue campaigns that create a favorable environment for California’s growing life sciences industry. Based in Sacramento, the position manages direct reports in the Sacramento office and works with member companies, partner organizations, contract lobbyists, counsel, and public affairs consultants. It develops and advocates for policies, coordinates government relations and advocacy strategies, monitors legislative and regulatory activity, and represents CLS in stakeholder and policymaker engagement. The role also organizes issue education events and builds relationships across the state.

Requirements

B.A., B.S., or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
7–10 years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience.
Experience working with California state elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
Experience implementing strategic, multi-dimensional issue campaigns.

Nice To Haves

M.A., M.S., or J.D.

Responsibilities

Manage direct reports in the Sacramento office, ensuring coverage of CLS priority legislative and regulatory issues, regular communication with member companies, and alignment of external communications with CLS expectations.
Identify, develop, and advocate for policies that promote the growth of California’s life sciences industry.
Help design and implement integrated government relations, communications, and advocacy strategies to influence favorable outcomes on key issues.
Help manage CLS contract lobbyists, counsel, and public affairs consultants at the state and local levels.
Lead committees, working groups, and weekly meetings with CLS member companies on priority life sciences issues.
Align priorities, strategies, and activities with CLS member companies and partner organizations, including AdvaMed, BIO, BIOCOM, and PhRMA.
Monitor legislative and regulatory activity, secure bill sponsors, and prepare letters, briefing documents, testimony, and position papers advocating CLS policy positions.
Lead coalition and partnership management with patient organizations.
Support CLS engagement and partnerships with outside trade associations and organizations for legislative action and education efforts.
Organize quarterly facility tours, roundtables, and issue education events in Sacramento and major CLS operating regions throughout California for legislators and CLS members.
Organize issue education events with legislative caucuses and legislators supporting CLS health equity policy priorities.
Represent CLS to outside stakeholders and build regular relationships with legislators, staff, the Governor’s office, and key state agencies, providing input and testimony on issues important to the life sciences community.