Half of every dollar spent on medicines goes to health insurance companies, PBMs, big pharmacies, 340B provider mark ups, and others, while patients continue to face rising costs. At Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), we’re urging policymakers to hold PBMs accountable, reform the 340B program, and break down other barriers to patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability, and access to health care in the US. As a Regional Senior Director on our State Advocacy team, you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing proactive, patient-centered policies across Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

Reporting to a Vice President within State Advocacy, you will develop and execute state-level legislative and regulatory strategies aligned with PhRMA’s priorities. Joining a team of 12 highly effective regional directors who each manage advocacy for several states, you’ll work in close collaboration with PhRMA colleagues and more than 35 member companies to lead engagement with state policymakers and agencies, manage external consultants, and support PhRMA’s advocacy agenda within your assigned region.

You’ll have the resources and support you need to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes on key high-impact issues like government price setting, PBM accountability, misuse of the 340B program, modernizing Medicare, and improving affordable access to medicines in Medicaid.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Working with a bright, hardworking, collaborative team passionate about addressing health care challenges in the US, you’ll turn PhRMA’s agenda for public health solutions into action at the state level. Your work will influence reforms that support the development of groundbreaking medicines, ensure access for all, and dramatically improve patients’ lives. Key responsibilities include:

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement state-level strategies to achieve legislative and regulatory goals in assigned states.
• Lead PhRMA’s regional/state advocacy initiatives in collaboration with member companies and internal policy teams.
• Manage regional government affairs consultants to ensure high-quality, timely execution of advocacy plans.

Legislative & Regulatory Engagement

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and regulations.
• Develop and deliver policy positions, testimony, and advocacy materials.
• Represent PhRMA at legislative hearings, public meetings, and state agency briefings.

Relationship Building

• Build and sustain relationships with key state officials, agency staff, and stakeholders aligned with PhRMA’s policy interests.
• Maintain relationships with aligned trade associations, patient groups, business coalitions, and other allies.

Operations & Administration

• Support the operational needs of a physical regional office, including vendor management and forecasting.

Salary and Benefits

• The budgeted salary range for this position is $169,300 – $237,100 plus bonus potential.
• PhRMA offers a best-in-class benefits package with generous PTO, including 11 paid holidays, a week off between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and half-day Fridays through the summer. We provide comprehensive medical coverage with broadly inclusive healthcare benefits, dental and vision insurance, a well-being reimbursement, 401(k) with an automatic company contribution plus matching, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and more.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in public policy, health policy, government affairs, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in government, law, public policy, or related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of state legislative processes, including committee structures and effective engagement with policymakers.
• Experience managing consultants and vendor contracts.
• Expertise in health policy, public health, or pharmaceutical advocacy is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities. Proven ability to provide clear strategic direction and guidance to diverse stakeholders on legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with confidence, composure, and sound judgment under pressure and maintain a calm, professional demeanor.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently across the assigned region.

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in political science, government relations, law, or public affairs.
• Previous experience with a national trade association or pharmaceutical company.
• Experience managing or participating in state-level political campaigns.
• Familiarity with health insurance coverage, reimbursement, and/or biopharmaceutical policy issues.

About PhRMA

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are 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. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $850 billion in the search for new treatments and cures over the last decade, supporting 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. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.