Sr. Director, Public Affairs - Mars Veterinary Health. Job in New York LilyLifes

JOB TITLE:

Sr. Director, Public Affairs - Mars Veterinary Health
LOCATION & SCHEDULE:

New York, NY, Full time
COMPENSATION:

$213,360.00 - $333,375.00

Overview
As part of the Mars Petcare family of businesses, Mars Veterinary Health is a global network of veterinary practices with 75,000 associates caring for millions of pets across nearly 3,000 clinics in more than 20 countries each year. The role shapes external policy, regulatory, and professional environments necessary for MVH to operate, innovate, and grow responsibly in the US, Canada, and key Rapid Growth Markets. It contributes to protecting MVH\'s license to operate and strengthening MVH\'s reputation as a purpose-driven leader in veterinary medicine.

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership:

Act as a core strategic partner to MVH Business Unit Leaders and Medical Affairs leaders, embedding public affairs expertise into business strategy, market entry, growth initiatives, and innovation pipelines. Translate complex policy and regulatory developments into clear business implications, risks, and opportunities to inform executive decision-making. Co-develop proactive public affairs strategies that support BU priorities, medical innovation, workforce sustainability, and evolving models of veterinary care.

Public Affairs & Policy Strategy:

Develop and execute an integrated North American public affairs strategy aligned with MVH\'s Purpose, values, and commercial objectives. Lead the development and alignment of MVH\'s public policy positions across the U.S. and Canada, in close partnership with Legal, Medical Affairs, Corporate Affairs, and global Mars stakeholders. Work with leadership in Rapid Growth Market countries to establish monitoring and policy support programs. Establish and activate an Associate-driven engagement and advocacy program, building internal capability and mobilizing credible voices across the MVH network in NA and RGMs as relevant. Build and upskill a distributed network of Public Affairs Champions across MVH North America.

External Stakeholder Leadership:

Build, manage, and sustain senior-level relationships with key external stakeholders, including state and provincial veterinary medical associations, legislators and regulators, industry bodies and professional organizations, and non-governmental and quasi-governmental institutions. Partner with Medical Affairs and BU leaders to ensure MVH is viewed as a credible, science-led, and collaborative veterinary industry leader. Represent MVH in high-impact external forums, industry meetings, and profession-facing events.

Policy Monitoring, Risk Mitigation & Opportunity Shaping:

Lead issue mapping and horizon scanning across legislative, regulatory, and professional trends affecting veterinary medicine and corporate ownership. Provide timely, actionable insights and mitigation strategies to senior leaders and functional partners. Shape policy outcomes proactively by engaging early with decision-makers and influencing frameworks that enable high-quality, accessible veterinary care.

Reputation, Professional Relations & Communications:

Develop and execute a strategy that positions MVH as a trusted partner to the veterinary profession, a thought leader on industry evolution and medical excellence, and an employer of choice for veterinary professionals. Align messaging, campaigns, partnerships, and announcements with public affairs objectives. Activate strategic industry partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that advance MVH priorities and strengthen professional trust.

Context and Scope:

Leads strategic public affairs engagement across the U.S. and Canada in a complex, rapidly evolving veterinary health environment, with a global responsibility to share learnings and programs across regions. Works in partnership with Mars NA and Global Public Affairs and Corporate Affairs leadership and teams, Legal, Medical Affairs, MVH CA Regional and External Communications, and Senior Business Unit leaders.

Qualifications

Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc.

Lead MVH\'s North American public affairs program, including strategic plan and execution tied to business priorities.

Ensure there is fit-for-purpose tracking, shaping, and strategic reporting on legislative and regulatory developments impacting MVH NA operations.

Act as the primary conduit between MVH businesses, veterinary stakeholders, and the broader Mars and Mars Petcare ecosystem on profession-facing policy initiatives.

Partner with MVH team and industry organizations on strategic initiatives that advance patient care, veterinary profession sustainability, and business outcomes.

Foster strong, trust-based relationships with industry executives, key opinion leaders, and professional bodies.

Lead relationship building and policy engagement plans and activations for industry meetings and events.

Other duties as assigned.

How this role shows up as a strategic business partner

Embedded in business and medical strategy, not downstream execution

Converts policy complexity into commercial and clinical advantage

Protects and expands MVH\'s license to operate

Shapes the future of veterinary medicine alongside CA, BU and Medical leaders

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $213,360 - $333,375

Compensation is determined based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, location, and market competitiveness.

What We Offer You: Competitive salary with paid time off & holidays; medical, dental, and vision insurance; fertility and family-building assistance; paid parental leave; life and disability coverage; 401(k) with company match; commuter benefits; legal plan; Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account; mental health resources; paid volunteering; wellness programs; continuing education allowances; student debt relief; discounts with Mars and partners.

Special Working Considerations

Ability to work at a computer for long periods

Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English; ability to reason, remember, and perform mathematical calculations

Ability to follow instructions and solve problems involving multiple variables

Moderate noise level in the work environment

Environment where pets are present

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH)® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. MVH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. MVH complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every MVH location.

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