At Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), we’re working to drive patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability, and access to health care in the US. As a Director of State Policy on our State Advocacy team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping policies that protect and promote the discovery, development, and delivery of medicines to help patients live longer and healthier lives.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, you will develop and lead the policy-related strategy for the Western US region, including Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. You’ll have the resources and support you need to be effective on key high-impact issues, including 340B, prescription drug pricing, Medicaid, insurance, and cost/value.

In this highly visible and fast-paced position, you will collaborate with colleagues across PhRMA, engage with stakeholders at over 30 member companies, and represent PhRMA at state legislative and regulatory hearings and other stakeholder meetings. You’ll apply your expertise in relationship building and communication to inspire confidence and influence a broad range of constituents through effective presentation, testimony, and group facilitation.

This role requires you to handle multiple complex issues simultaneously, prioritize effectively, think strategically about assigned policy areas, seek input from others as needed, and quickly adjust to changing political environments. Your ability to mobilize quickly, work effectively both as part of a team and independently, employ exceptional diplomacy, and build consensus will be central to your success.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Working with a bright, hardworking, collaborative team passionate about addressing health care challenges in the US, you’ll be at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical innovation. Your work will influence policies that support the development of groundbreaking medicines, ensure access for all, and dramatically improve patients’ lives. Key focus areas include:

• Legislative and Regulatory Analysis. Analyze state-level legislation and regulations. Draft and deliver testimony, represent PhRMA at key meetings, and create essential documents, including statements and talking points, to support state lobbying efforts.
• Strategy Development and Guidance. Provide strategic advice to the regional field team to advance and protect PhRMA policies related to state legislation and regulations. Collaborate with regional leadership to develop and execute effective strategies.
• Policy Development Support. Support the development and implementation of state policies on critical issues such as Medicaid, insurance, cost/value, 340B, and prescription drug price controls.
• Legislative Planning Support. Work with internal and external teams to support action plans for legislation in assigned states, focusing on the western US.
• Stakeholder Engagement. Act as PhRMA’s representative at various high-level meetings, including state legislative hearings and regulatory agency meetings. Plan and collaborate with the state team to ensure comprehensive industry coverage at national and quarterly meetings.
• Internal Collaboration and Project Management. Present key regional issues to senior PhRMA management and collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and advocacy effectiveness. Coordinate special projects, including defining scopes of work and timelines.
• Workgroup Membership. Participate in coordinating efforts with member companies and within PhRMA to achieve policy goals.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

You will operate in a fast-paced legislative environment and must adapt quickly while balancing multiple complex priorities. In this role, you can expect:

• To reside in one of the assigned Western states (AZ, NM, NV, UT, WY) or in the Denver or Sacramento metropolitan areas, with regional travel up to 50% during peak legislative periods. Candidates must maintain a valid driver’s license and be available to respond after hours and on weekends in alignment with legislative schedules.
• A budgeted salary range of $132,600 – $182,300 per annum. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
• A comprehensive, best-in-class benefits program featuring generous paid time off (including 10 paid holidays, a paid winter break, and half-day Fridays in the summer), inclusive medical/dental/vision coverage, a well-being reimbursement, parental leave, a 401(k) with automatic company contribution plus matching, ongoing professional development opportunities, and additional resources that support employee well-being and work–life balance.

Qualifications

Education & Policy Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health policy, political science, science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in state policy or within state government, the legislature, regulatory or executive agencies, or a related trade association (pharmaceutical industry experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and synthesize statutory and regulatory language, identify key impacts, and provide accurate, detail-oriented guidance to stakeholders.

Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy

• Experience preparing and presenting testimony, briefings, and written materials before legislative or regulatory bodies, translating complex policy provisions into clear, actionable messages for varied audiences.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Proven ability to design and manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize effectively, and meet short, non-negotiable deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse internal teams, external stakeholders, and member companies.

About Us

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser-focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat, and cure disease. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $850 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.