Director, Government Affairs

Edwards Lifesciences; District of Columbia; On-site; USD 159,000 - 226,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences in Washington, DC seeks a Director, Government Affairs - Federal to drive federal advocacy, engage with Members of Congress and staff, and represent the company on policy positions.

The role requires a strong track record in federal government affairs, capability to lead strategic initiatives, and a commitment to compliance with lobbying disclosure and ethics rules. Based at the DC office with on-site work.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of relevant federal government affairs experience (10 years with a Master’s)
• Experience on Capitol Hill or in corporate government affairs preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to persuasively convey policy positions

Responsibilities

• Execute federal legislative and advocacy strategies through direct engagement with Members of Congress and staff
• Maintain a regular, visible presence on Capitol Hill as a registered federal lobbyist
• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with congressional offices and committees relevant to healthcare and policy priorities
• Monitor congressional activity and provide timely political intelligence on legislation and hearings
• Attend political fundraising events, PAC events, and other activities in compliance with law and policy
• Maintain accurate lobbying activity records for disclosure requirements

Skills

Capitol Hill lobbying

Bipartisan relationships

Policy communication

Public policy expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government, business, healthcare, or related field

Job description

Position Summary:

The Director, Government Affairs - Federal is a member of the federal Government Affairs team responsible for executing the company's advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill. The Director serves as a registered federal lobbyist and represents the company before Members of Congress, congressional staff, and other Washington stakeholders. Working within strategies and policy positions established by Government Affairs leadership and internal subject‑matter experts, the Director focuses on direct lobbying, relationship development, political intelligence, and political engagement, including attendance at political fundraising events.

How you will make an impact:

• Execute established federal legislative and advocacy strategies through direct engagement with Members of Congress and congressional staff.
• Serve as one of the company's registered federal lobbyists and maintain a regular, visible presence on Capitol Hill.
• Communicate approved company policy positions clearly and persuasively, tailoring messages to individual Members, committees, and staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with congressional offices and committees relevant to healthcare, Medicare, FDA, patient access, innovation, tax, trade, and other company priorities.
• Identify potential congressional champions and supporters, conduct sustained follow‑up, and help advance agreed‑upon legislative objectives.
• Monitor congressional activity and provide timely political intelligence on legislation, hearings, stakeholder positions, personnel changes, and emerging risks or opportunities.
• Attend political fundraising events, receptions, PAC events, and other political activities on behalf of the company, consistent with applicable law and company policy.
• Support execution of the company's political engagement and PAC strategy as directed by Government Affairs leadership.
• Work with internal policy and subject‑matter experts to understand approved positions and accurately represent them externally.
• Maintain accurate lobbying activity records and provide timely information for Lobbying Disclosure Act and related compliance reporting.

This is an on‑site position based in our Washington, DC office

What you will need (required):

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government, business, healthcare, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years with Bachelor’s degree or 10 years with Master’s degree of relevant experience in federal government affairs, lobbying, congressional affairs, campaigns, or a related Washington role or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria Required

What else we look for (preferred):

• Experience on Capitol Hill, in a corporate Government Affairs office, trade association, lobbying firm, political organization, or comparable environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress and congressional staff.
• Strong understanding of Congress, including legislative and committee processes and the political dynamics that influence policymaking.
• Ability to understand complex policy issues and communicate established company positions clearly and persuasively.
• Strong political judgment, interpersonal skills, discretion, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage an active external schedule, including periodic evening political and stakeholder events.
• Commitment to compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act, campaign‑finance requirements, congressional ethics rules, and company policies.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance‑based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For Washington D.C.], the base pay range for this position is $159,000 to $226,000(highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.

Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.