Sr Manager External Affairs Southeast

Philip Morris International U.S.•Tampa, FL

10d•$160,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At PMI, we are undergoing a significant transformation with the clear purpose of delivering a smoke-free future. This role is within the growing External Affairs team, focusing on engaging stakeholders and communicating new messages related to our smoke-free transformation. The position offers the opportunity to work across functions with experts in various fields and utilize relationship-building skills to advance our purpose. PMI is expanding its state government affairs team and seeks motivated self-starters for this Sr Manager role. This position will be instrumental in developing and implementing government relations and public policy strategies in key Southeast states to support the company's long-term business interests. The role involves managing a portfolio of state and local issues, representing PMI to government officials and agencies, and engaging with trade associations. A key aspect of this role is building and maintaining diverse coalitions to support policy issues and business priorities, often requiring the development of strategic plans with limited traditional resources. Collaboration with internal business, public relations, community foundation, and legal teams is essential to ensure alignment between business priorities and public policy goals.

Requirements

Extensive experience in government affairs, public policy, or political strategy, with demonstrated impact on policy outcomes.
Proven ability to operate at senior stakeholder levels and influence decision-making.
Deep expertise in state policy environments and legislative processes, with ability to anticipate and shape outcomes.
Demonstrated ownership of complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Strong record in strategic stakeholder engagement and coalition-building.
Executive-level communication, negotiation, and influencing capability.
Ability to independently lead high-impact initiatives in ambiguous environments.
Willing to travel (50%) to support strategic stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Lead and own strategic relationships with key policymakers across Southeastern states, advancing PMI’s long-term policy agenda.
Direct engagement strategies with senior government officials, including Governors, Attorneys General, and legislative leadership.
Synthesize legislative intelligence into strategic insights, advising senior leadership on risks, scenarios, and recommended actions.
Own end-to-end policy positioning, including development of white papers, executive briefings, and formal regulatory submissions.
Design and deploy integrated advocacy campaigns, including grassroots, third-party engagement, and coalition-building efforts.
Develop innovative, non-traditional strategies to influence policy and public debate aligned with smoke-free objectives.
Lead high-visibility external engagements, including stakeholder events, site visits, and scientific engagement forums.
Operate with full ownership of priorities, with limited administrative or transactional responsibilities.
Represent PMI to all elected officials and government agencies and regulatory bodies.
Represent PMI with trade associations.
Build, grow, participate in, and maintain diverse coalitions in support of policy issues and business priorities.
Develop and creatively implement strategic plans often with limited traditional resources to advocate for business priorities.
Build support with external and internal stakeholders.
Work collaboratively with relevant internal business, public relations, community foundation, and legal teams to ensure alignment between business priorities and public policy goals.