Sr Manager External Affairs Southeast

Philip Morris International•Tampa, FL

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Be a part of a revolutionary change. At PMI, we’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’re totally transforming our business - and building our future on one clear purpose - to deliver a smoke-free future. With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, wherever you join us, you’ll enjoy the freedom to dream up and deliver better, brighter solutions and the space to move your career forward in endlessly different directions. External Affairs is a growing team, full of fresh opportunities. Our smoke-free transformation is completely changing the way we engage. We have stakeholders to talk to and brave new messages to share. We need talented people who are also excited by our sense of purpose to help expand our influence – on the media, legislators, health professionals, state level government and public policy-makers. As our work evolves, there’s space to define your role and satisfy your professional curiosity. You’ll be working across functions surrounded and supported by experts in everything from fiscal affairs and illicit trade to sustainability and public health legislation. Join us and use your relationship-building skills for good to deliver a smoke-free future. PMI is growing its state government affairs team and is looking for motivated self-starters. This Sr Manager role will report to the Southeast Regional Director and be a key player in developing and implementing PMI's government relations and public policy strategies in key Southeast states to advance the company's long-term business interests. This role will work cross-functionally throughout the company to manage a portfolio of key issues in the Southeast region at both the state and local level. The role will 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. This role will work collaboratively with relevant internal business, public relations, community foundation, and legal teams 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

Nice To Haves

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