Director, U.S. Government Relations

BD; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 202,700 - 324,200; Full time

Job summary

BD is seeking a Director of U.S. Government Relations to lead advocacy strategies that align with policy and market access objectives. The role involves significant interaction with Congress and regulatory bodies, and requires 10–12 years of experience in government relations or public policy.

The ideal candidate will have proven success in managing multi-jurisdictional advocacy campaigns and will be instrumental in advising senior executives.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, public affairs, or advocacy.
• Experience engaging the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory process.
• Proven track record of leading complex advocacy initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of U.S. government relations strategies.
• Anticipate and respond to legislative developments.
• Shape company policy positions on high-impact issues.

Skills

Government relations

Public policy

Advocacy

Legislative engagement

Strategic judgment

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MPP, MPH, JD, MBA)

Job description

Position Overview

The Director, U.S. Government Relations is a senior, highly visible role responsible for leading and executing integrated federal and state advocacy strategies that advance BD’s U.S. policy, market access, and business objectives while mitigating enterprise‑wide policy, political, and reputational risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of U.S. government relations strategies across federal and priority state and local jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on Congressional strategy aligned with enterprise and business‑unit priorities.
• Anticipate, assess, and respond to legislative, regulatory, and political developments with material impact on the company’s portfolio, operations, and reputation.
• Shape and advance company policy positions on complex, high‑impact issues, balancing business objectives, policy feasibility, and reputational considerations.
• Represent the company in senior‑level engagements with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, federal and state regulators, governors’ offices, and other key policymakers.
• Direct and manage external lobbying firms, consultants, and advisors, ensuring coordinated Hill, federal agency, and state‑level strategies, clear priorities, and strong performance management.
• Play leadership roles within trade associations, coalitions, and industry groups to advance company priorities and help shape coordinated Congressional and state advocacy efforts.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, preparing executive‑level briefings, talking points, and strategic recommendations.
• Partner closely with Healthcare Policy and Market Access, Communications, Legal, Integrated Supply Chain, and commercial teams to ensure alignment across advocacy, messaging, and business objectives.
• Mentor and coach junior government relations professionals, contributing to overall team capability and effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, public affairs, or advocacy, including senior‑level responsibility in a corporate, trade association, consulting, or government environment.
• Substantial experience engaging the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory process, including direct interaction with Congress and/or federal agencies; demonstrated state‑level experience preferred.
• Prior experience on Capitol Hill, within a federal agency, or in a senior state or gubernatorial role, or equivalent senior‑level government service.
• Proven track record of leading complex advocacy initiatives, managing political and reputational risk, and influencing legislative, regulatory, or policy outcomes.
• Demonstrated success managing external lobbying firms, consultants, and multi‑jurisdictional advocacy campaigns, including setting strategy, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Experience operating in highly regulated or politically sensitive environments, such as healthcare, life sciences, medical technology, manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries.
• Strong strategic judgment and executive presence, with experience advising senior leaders and executives in high‑stakes environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive‑level briefings, talking points, and strategic recommendations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MPP, MPH, JD, MBA) strongly preferred.

Salary Range

$202,700.00 - $324,200.00 USD Annual

Location

USA DC - Washington, DC

Equal Opportunity Employer

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally-protected characteristics.