Overview

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking an experienced advocate for Federal Advocacy to support PhRMA’s efforts to interact with Republican lawmakers in the United States Congress.

This is a highly visible position and will be both externally and internally facing. The DVP will work closely with PhRMA Board members and member company staff, PhRMA executives, and other key internal and external stakeholders to design and implement effective strategies to advance policies related to commercial and government pharmaceutical markets, FDA, Medicare Parts B and D, and 340B.

This senior role will have enhanced external visibility to promote PhRMA Board priorities and focus particularly on Congressional engagement. The individual is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships and building support for PhRMA priorities, policies and positions. The DVP will focus primarily on lobbying members of the United States Congress (specifically members of the United States House of Representatives Republican Conference, Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, and Leadership). This role requires management of members of the Federal Advocacy team as well as management of cross functional teams working on specific issues with limited supervision.

Responsibilities/Qualifications

• Lead teams across Federal Affairs and other PhRMA divisions to develop and build consensus around advocacy strategies based on priorities established by leadership and the PhRMA Board.
• Develop unique strategies and tactics across the full range of priority issues for PhRMA; organize and execute these approaches using the full range of PhRMA’s advocacy tools.
• Broaden and expand PhRMA’s relationships with key companies and other external stakeholders to supplement PhRMA’s reach.
• Prepare for and manage markups and hearings with minimal oversight, utilizing the expertise within PhRMA.
• Prepare the SVP and EVP for PhRMA Board meetings and meetings with senior executives at member companies.
• Review, edit and draft advocacy materials for various audiences.
• Manage several advocacy consultants to ensure resources are being used efficiently and effectively.
• Engage with Board members, member company staff and departments PhRMA-wide to ensure a broad understanding of, alignment with, and enhanced effectiveness and collaboration around advocacy and public policy strategies.
• Lobby bipartisan, bicameral members and their staff on potential/proposed legislation and the impact of such legislation on patients and the pharmaceutical industry.
• Develop relationships and drive results among third-party organizations and key opinion leaders.
• Identify gaps in the current network and identify areas of common ground.
• Represent PhRMA with coalitions and develop strategies for engaging in legislative and regulatory activity.
• Coordinate with PhRMA colleagues and member company staff on policy positions and the development of legislative and third-party strategies related to PhRMA priorities.
• Anticipate, track, and analyze legislation relevant to industry Medicare, Medicaid, Public Health Service, IP and other health care priorities, involving PhRMA staff and member company representatives as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Success Factors

We are seeking a strong advocate for the pharmaceutical industry who is passionate about the healthcare challenges we face today. This DVP role is highly visible internally and externally, requires substantive engagement with members of Congress, third party stakeholders, member company representatives and all levels of PhRMA staff. The ability to build relationships and support, communicate in a respectful and influential manner, and work both independently and as a committed team player is critical. The successful candidate will be a well-regarded, self-starter with a reputation for integrity and results.

Professional Experience / Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government Relations or other relevant field of study and substantive experience in health policy and advocacy is required. Advanced degree in law or business preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of combined legislative, executive branch, government affairs consulting, law firm, trade association advocacy and/or pharmaceutical industry experience required.
• Substantive work with a PhRMA member company supporting and building advocacy strategies, working with relevant trade associations, and supporting product-specific issues is highly preferred.
• Understanding of procedures, protocols of standing committees regarding witnesses, testimony, and Congressional activities, working knowledge of the Congressional process and ethics rules and regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. healthcare law.
• Understanding of the landscape of third-party stakeholders engaged in health advocacy. Experience working with professional associations.
• Strong relationship-building skills, integrity, and reputation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated collaborator and team player.

Who we are
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have more than doubled their annual investment in the search for new treatments and cures, including nearly $101 billion in 2022 alone.

Connect with PhRMA
For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:

What we offer
In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, various opportunities for reward and recognition and a platform of extensive benefits, PhRMA is committed to the development and overall wellbeing of our team members. We offer traditional (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, STD, LTC) and enhanced benefits such as parental leave, a well-being program, an on-site fitness facility, back-up care, an employee assistance program, and pre-tax commuting benefits. We also offer a robust 401k plan with employer contributions upon the first day of hire and immediate vesting, a generous paid time off plan, -ten paid holidays (plus inauguration day), half day Fridays preceding holidays, half day Fridays in the summer months, and a paid winter break. As an organization, we work remotely on Mondays and Fridays and together in the office on Tuesdays through Thursdays. We also all work remotely in August.

We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities including an integrated onboarding program, best-in-class leadership programming, tuition reimbursement, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management/professional development programs. Corporate social responsibility is also important to us at PhRMA. Our team members participate in community service activities, fundraising drives, and charitable athletic events.

We are committed to supporting our family of professionals at PhRMA and strive to create programs that help our team members manage the challenges of balancing a fast-paced career with their own personal goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PhRMA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.