Senior Director, Pharma Policy and Advocacy Counsel

Larson Maddox; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 198,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical advocacy organization in Washington seeks a Senior Director, Pharma Policy and Advocacy Counsel. This role focuses on providing legal guidance on complex state law issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry. The ideal candidate should have a J.D., at least 4 years of legal experience in health law, and a strong ability to navigate multifaceted legal landscapes. Competitive salary of $220,000 per year offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of legal experience in health law or pharmaceutical regulation.
• Active bar membership is required.
• Deep understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on state-level issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry.
• Monitor and analyze legislative proposals impacting the sector.
• Collaborate with internal teams to assess legal risks.

Skills

Legal expertise in health law

Regulatory advocacy

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Senior Director, Pharma Policy and Advocacy Counsel

Base Pay Range

$220,000.00/yr – $220,000.00/yr

Company Overview

Our client is a leading pharmaceutical advocacy and research organization committed to advancing public health through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. Its members include top pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving patient access to safe and effective medicines. The company works at the intersection of science, policy, and law to shape a healthcare environment that supports innovation and affordability.

Position Summary

The team is seeking a strategic Senior Director, Legal Affairs Counsel to provide legal guidance on complex state law issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry. This role will focus on advising internal teams and member companies on matters related to:

• Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs)
• Health insurance benefit mandates and coverage requirements
• Administrative law and regulatory compliance
• State and local legislative and regulatory developments impacting the pharmaceutical sector

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in health law, public policy, and regulatory advocacy, with a proven ability to navigate multifaceted legal landscapes and influence policy outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel on state-level PDABs, insurance benefit mandates, and administrative law issues.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and local legislative and regulatory proposals affecting the pharmaceutical industry.
• Develop and execute legal strategies to support advocacy efforts at the state and local levels.
• Collaborate with government affairs, policy, and member company teams to assess legal risks and opportunities.
• Draft legal memoranda, position papers, and regulatory comments.
• Represent the association in meetings with policymakers, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Support litigation and administrative proceedings as needed.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership.
• Minimum of 4 years of legal experience, preferably in health law, administrative law, or pharmaceutical regulation.
• Deep understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience advising on PDABs, insurance mandates, and pharmaceutical policy issues strongly preferred.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, policy‑driven environment.