Director, State Government Affairs (Hybrid)
Responsibilities
- Serve as Sarepta’s primary representative to public officials in the assigned region; build and maintain strategic relationships with state legislators, committee staff, administration staff, regulatory officials, and local jurisdictions to advocate on issues affecting Sarepta.
- Develop and drive implementation of the state government affairs engagement plan to shape a positive policy environment and mitigate/prevent negative impacts.
- Assess the political climate for rare disease and gene therapy policies; develop policy/mitigation strategies aligned to near- and long-term goals.
- Represent and advocate for company interests through trade association committees and coalitions.
- Build and maintain a strong network of contacts and public opinion leaders; take meetings independently as appropriate.
- Collaborate and coordinate across Sarepta in the assigned region to execute strategies and activities.
- Hire and manage external consultants (pending budget approval) to support execution and mitigate negative impacts.
- Build coalitions with third-party partners, patient advocates, medical professionals, and others as needed.
- Draft memos, educational materials, and presentations on impacts of state legislation/policy and the state government affairs strategy; make recommendations for action.
- Share best practices, communicate insights, lead special projects, and coordinate to ensure coverage of key meetings and events.
- Support and facilitate interactions with state Medicaid agencies.
- Oversee compliance with state laws and internal ethical requirements related to lobbyists registration, reporting, and political contributions.
Qualifications
- 10+ years current and relevant experience in state government affairs/policy.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Thorough understanding of state government, including legislative, regulatory, and political processes.
Preferred
- Prior experience as a state lobbyist.
- Healthcare sector experience, including knowledge of rare disease therapies and healthcare reimbursement policies.
Skills & Experience
- Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials/staff and policy leaders.
- Ability to write/edit legislative language and influence legislation/regulations to achieve corporate goals.
- Strong written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, trade associations, patient advocates, and policy organizations.
- Attention to detail; ability to recognize issues within the context of higher-level policies/regulations.
- Self-initiating, well-organized; manage multiple projects independently.
- Up to 40% domestic travel.
Additional Requirements
- Hybrid role; expected to work on site at a Sarepta facility in the U.S. and/or attend company-sponsored in-person events from time to time.
- Authorized to work in the U.S.