Position
- State Government Affairs Director, Eastern Region
- In State Government Affairs Department
- Reports to VP, State Government Affairs
- Full-time, Exempt Position
Primary Purpose
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the world’s largest advocacy association representing member companies, state biotechnology groups, academic and research institutions, and related organizations across the United States and in 30+ countries. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate BIO state government affairs activities in the Eastern region of the United States, which includes the states of AL, FL, GA, TN, SC, NC, VA, MD, WV, PA, NJ, DE, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME.
- Serve as the BIO point of contact for state affiliates; acting as the principal contact for member company state government affairs representatives; coordinating regional activities with patient and other advocacy organizations.
- Monitor and respond to all healthcare-related legislative issues affecting the biotechnology industry at the state level, with a secondary focus on agriculture; bio-industrial; and economic development issue as needed.
- Assume national responsibility for certain healthcare-related legislative issues.
- Manage contract lobbyists and consultants retained by BIO within the Eastern region.
- Submit oral and written testimony and actively lobby state policy makers in response to state legislation in the Eastern region.
- Provide support to BIO Communications in responding to media inquiries relating to state issues.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key public officials, including governors, key administration officials and state legislative leaders.
- Maintain an effective, versatile grassroots network/coalitions to improve legislative response to both state issues.
- Work with various departments within BIO to develop policy positions on health-related issues in the Eastern region.
- Coordinate meetings and calls for state CSBA affiliates and member company representatives in the regional as well as assist with affiliate needs at the BIO International Convention.
- Report on timely basis to supervisor and principals of BIO’s state government relations committees.
- As directed, participate in regional and national state government affairs organizations.
Requirements:
- Comfort level with leadership roles representing the industry
- Work effectively with groups across the political spectrum
- Superb communication skills, both written and interpersonal
- Excellent analytical skills
- Management experience
- Knowledge of state legislative processes
- Highly driven and results-oriented
- Critical to work as part of a team
- Undergraduate degree required from a four-year institution
- Relevant areas of study preferred
- Minimum 7 years legislative/issues management experience, including minimum 5 years interacting with state governments
- Experience with multiple states preferred
Candidates should be aware that BIO currently maintains a policy requiring all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a booster shot once eligible. Newly hired employees must be vaccinated and boosted prior to their employment start date BIO is an equal opportunity employer and will provide a reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated or receive a booster where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.
