Senior Director, US Public Policy and Reimbursement

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Washington DC, DC

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Director, US Public Policy and Reimbursement to lead the development and execution of Vertex’s US Public Policy strategy on policy issues related to access to innovative medicines, with a primary focus on Medicare, Medicaid and related issues. This role will serve as a primary subject-matter expert, strategic architect, and external-facing leader within the U.S. Public Policy and Reimbursement team, working to advance favorable public policies that are both aligned with enterprise goals and support product specific reimbursement strategies amid a rapidly evolving legislative, regulatory, and litigation landscape. The Senior Director will be responsible for collaborating closely with our internals teams to understand key barriers and issues affecting our brands, portfolios and business at the State and Federal level; developing and executing strategies that align with Vertex’s core business objectives and ensure patient access to our innovative medicines; and engaging with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other relevant federal departments and agencies, policy stakeholders, trade associations, and industry peers to advance Vertex’s priorities. The role will not only monitor and analyze policy developments but proactively shape the external environment — cultivating relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders as well as positioning Vertex as a credible and constructive voice in policy discussions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the US healthcare system, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, and a proven track record of successfully navigating complex policy and reimbursement landscapes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health policy, political science, or a related field.
Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or a related field, with a strong focus on healthcare policy and reimbursement.
Deep knowledge of the US healthcare landscape (especially Medicare and Medicaid), as well as the biopharmaceutical industry, policy/political landscape, reimbursement/access issues, and regulatory and legislative processes.
Proven experience engaging with CMS, trade associations, and other policy stakeholders.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable business strategies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPH, MPP, MBA) is strongly preferred.
Experience working in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong understanding of the broader US healthcare system, including commercial and government payers.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive public policy and reimbursement strategies to support Vertex’s business objectives and optimize, mitigate, or enhance policy changes related to access to innovative medicines.
Serve as the primary point of contact with CMS, advocating for policies that support patient access and align with Vertex’s mission, including through rulemaking cycles and ad hoc opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key policy stakeholders, including government agencies, trade associations, and industry peers.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret federal healthcare policies, regulations, and legislative developments, providing strategic insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Market Access, Legal, and Commercial, to align policy strategies with business priorities, keep them apprised of policy developments, and seek directional input.
Represent Vertex in external forums, including industry coalitions, trade associations, and public policy discussions, to advocate for policies that support innovation and patient access.
Lead the development of policy positions, white papers, and other materials to effectively communicate Vertex’s perspective to policymakers and stakeholders.
Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on emerging policy trends and their potential impact on Vertex’s business and patients.
Manages certain policy consultants, ensuring that expertise is fully utilized and that deliverables are timely and of high-quality.