State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK
Vertex Pharmaceuticals · California, United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $260,000 / year
- California, United States
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State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK
Vertex Pharmaceuticals · California, United States
Casey Reed
Hiring Manager · h•••••@vrtx.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com
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Subject: Interested in the State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Hi Casey — I came across the State Government Affairs Director- field-based CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals stood out because…
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Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back.
Job highlights
- Lead state public policy strategy across multiple states.
- Build relationships with key government officials.
- Analyze legislation impacting the healthcare sector.
- Collaborate across internal teams and external advocacy groups.
- Requires significant travel in a field-based role.
About the role
Director State Government Affairs
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director of State Government Affairs to develop and implement the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy. This field-based position requires significant travel within the specified region (CA, AZ, NV, HI, AK), with a preference for candidates residing in California.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, coordinate, and lead state/regional public policy efforts.
- Collaborate with communications, patient advocacy, policy, medical affairs, and marketing departments to align public policy goals with company objectives and patient needs.
- Analyze and monitor legislation, regulations, and political activity impacting Vertex.
- Drive strategy and create action plans to influence policy change.
- Develop and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, and external stakeholders.
- Facilitate advocacy coalitions for public policy goals, including rare disease awareness and Vertex's commercial and pipeline disease areas.
- Lead complex cross-functional initiatives with broad impact.
- Develop written analyses, testimony, and background materials to support Vertex objectives.
- Leverage existing relationships and build partnerships with community organizations and coalitions.
- Integrate public relations objectives with state/regional public policy strategy and identify opportunities to increase rare disease awareness.
- Manage contract lobbyists and ensure compliance with state laws for lobbying.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to advance business objectives.
- Fulfill other duties and projects as assigned, exemplifying Vertex’s core values.
- Perform field travel approximately 40-50% of the time.
Minimum Qualifications
- Seven to ten years of current and relevant experience in state government affairs, state government, or at a major trade association with significant direct lobbying experience.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with legislators, administration officials, and other government/community leaders.
- Significant knowledge of state legislative and regulatory systems.
- Outstanding strategic planning, communication, and presentation skills.
- Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree preferred) in science, law, government, or public policy.
- Pharmaceutical or healthcare sector experience strongly preferred.
- High energy and passion for patients, science, and public health.
- Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to interact and influence at all business levels.
- Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized, and capable of managing multiple projects independently.
- Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
- Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment with demonstrated integrity.
- A desire to work in a highly innovative company culture focused on transforming lives with new medicines.
Pay Range
$207,000 - $310,600 annually, plus annual bonus and equity awards.
Total Rewards
Vertex offers market-leading benefits including medical, dental, and vision, generous paid time off, educational assistance programs (including student loan repayment), commuting subsidies, matching charitable donations, 401(k), and more.
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company committed to scientific innovation and equal employment opportunity.
Key skills/competency
- State Government Affairs
- Public Policy Strategy
- Lobbying
- Legislative Monitoring
- Relationship Building
- Advocacy Coalitions
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Healthcare Sector
- Biotechnology
Skills & topics
- Director State Government Affairs
- Government Affairs
- Public Policy
- Lobbying
- Healthcare Policy
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- State Government
- Advocacy
- Strategy
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 7-10 years of state government affairs or lobbying experience, emphasizing legislative and regulatory system knowledge.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Showcase your strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills, directly addressing Vertex's goals.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience developing policy strategies, managing relationships with officials, and driving advocacy coalitions.
- Demonstrate passion: Express your enthusiasm for patients, science, and public health, aligning with Vertex's innovative mission.
- Research Vertex: Understand their commitment to science, innovation, and transforming lives through new medicines.
Technical preparation
Master state legislative and regulatory processes.,Develop policy analysis and testimony.,Practice legislative and regulatory monitoring.,Prepare persuasive presentations and strategy plans.
Behavioral questions
Describe building relationships with officials.,How do you drive policy change strategies?,Share experience managing advocacy coalitions.,How do you handle complex cross-functional initiatives?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Director State Government Affairs role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- The primary focus of the Director State Government Affairs role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals is to develop and implement the company’s state/regional government affairs and public policy strategy, working collaboratively with various internal departments and external stakeholders.
- What regions does the Director State Government Affairs position cover for Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- The Director State Government Affairs position covers the Western region, specifically California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. The incumbent is expected to reside within this region, with a preference for California.
- What is the required experience for the Director State Government Affairs role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- The minimum requirement is seven to ten years of current and relevant experience in state government affairs, state government, or at a major trade association with significant direct lobbying experience.
- Does the Director State Government Affairs role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals require travel?
- Yes, the Director State Government Affairs role requires significant field travel, estimated at 40-50% of the time, within the assigned region.
- What kind of relationships are important for the Director State Government Affairs to build at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- It is crucial to build and sustain high-level relationships with government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, external organizations, and stakeholders to achieve Vertex's public policy and company goals.
- Is a specific degree required for the Director State Government Affairs position at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in science, law, government, or public policy. An advanced degree is preferred.
- What is the expected salary range for the Director State Government Affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
- The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $207,000 to $310,600, with eligibility for annual bonus and equity awards.
- What kind of company culture does Vertex Pharmaceuticals foster for this role?
- Vertex fosters a corporate culture of a highly innovative company aimed at redefining health and transforming lives with new medicines. High energy and passion toward patients, science, and public health are valued.