Executive Director, State Government Affairs

Stoke Therapeutics; Bedford (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoke Therapeutics is seeking an Executive Director, State Government Affairs to lead state-level policy strategies ensuring access to RNA medicines for rare genetic diseases. The role is hybrid and based in Bedford, MA, with relocation to Waltham, MA and 30–40% travel.

The successful candidate will develop state advocacy plans, monitor legislation, and shape Medicaid and pediatric rare disease policies while building strong relationships with policymakers and patient groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (advanced preferred).
• 12+ years in government affairs, public policy, or healthcare policy, with significant state experience.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, managed care, insurance, and rare disease access.
• Proven success in multistate legislative and regulatory strategies.
• Established relationships with policymakers and advocacy groups.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive state advocacy plans.
• Monitor and influence legislation, regulation, Medicaid, and insurance policies affecting rare diseases.
• Shape Medicaid and pediatric rare disease policies.
• Build relationships with policymakers, patient groups, and stakeholders.
• Manage lobbying campaigns, external consultants, and compliance.
• Coordinate federal and state engagement.

Skills

Government affairs

Public policy

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Travel 40%+

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Role: Executive Director, State Government Affairs at Stoke Therapeutics, leading state-level policy strategies to support access to RNA medicines for severe genetic diseases like Dravet syndrome.

Responsibilities

• develop and execute comprehensive state advocacy plans;
• monitor and influence legislation, regulation, Medicaid, and insurance policies affecting rare diseases;
• shape Medicaid and pediatric rare disease policies;
• build relationships with policymakers, patient groups, and stakeholders;
• manage lobbying campaigns, external consultants, and compliance;
• coordinate federal and state engagement.

Requirements

• bachelor's degree (advanced preferred);
• 12+ years in government affairs, public policy, or healthcare policy, with significant state experience;
• knowledge of Medicaid, managed care, insurance, and rare disease access;
• proven success in multistate legislative and regulatory strategies;
• established relationships with policymakers and advocacy groups;
• excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic skills;
• willingness to travel up to 40%.

High-Value

rare disease, pediatric neurology, genetic testing, Medicaid, policy advocacy, biotech/pharma experience.

Work setup

hybrid role based in Bedford, MA, relocating to Waltham, MA, with 30-40% travel.