Senior Director, Public Policy (Washington, DC)

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; Carson City (NV); Remote; USD 231,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical

Dental

Vision

Prescription drug coverage

Company provided basic life

Accidental death & dismemberment

Short-term and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

401(k) match

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Paid leave programs

Other company provided benefits

Job summary

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking a Sr. Director of Public Policy to direct the enterprise policy agenda and lead a small policy team and consultants.

The role collaborates across Corporate Affairs, Market Access, Regulatory, R&D and Commercial to support business and scientific objectives. The position requires senior-level expertise in U.S. health policy, Medicare/Medicaid, and payer strategy, with accountability for policy outcomes and external relations with major trade groups.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in health policy, public health, public affairs or a related field.
• At least 10 years in health policy, public programs (Medicare/Medicaid) or government sectors with payer/commercial focus.
• Minimum 5 years leading high-performing teams and talent development.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations and compliance guidance.
• Proven ability to translate policy into commercial strategy and objectives.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. biopharmaceutical market, Medicare/Medicaid, pricing and regulatory environments.
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration to deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Directs and executes enterprise public policy agenda aligning with strategic goals.
• Leads a policy team and policy advisors/consultants.
• Shapes U.S. policy positions across multiple functions (Corporate Affairs, R&D, Regulatory, Commercial).
• Assesses legislative/regulatory developments and advises on business impact and strategies.
• Co-leads IRA Task Force to monitor IRA implementation and prepare the business.
• Guides commercial and R&D to adapt to federal and state laws and programs.
• Prioritizes U.S. policy initiatives and ensures cross-functional alignment to advance patient access.

Skills

Public policy leadership

Government affairs

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Education

Master's degree in health policy or related field

Job description

Remote

Full time

R12878

Otsuka Government Affairs & Public Policy

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, the Sr. Director of Public Policy is responsible for directing, developing, and executing the enterprise public policy agenda enabling and driving Otsuka’s priorities. The Sr. Director will lead a public policy team of two as well as a roster of highly capable policy advisors/consultants. In creating and advancing the policy objectives, this leader will collaborate across the company with functions such as Corporate Affairs, Market Access, Pricing & Contracting, Commercial, Regulatory, R&D, and others. The Sr. Director will sit on the Government Affairs Leadership Team (GALT) and will partner with peer leaders representing State GA, Federal GA, and Alliance Development to ensure connectivity to external engagement in support of business and scientific objectives,

This position is accountable for achieving policies that serve as enabling mechanisms and removing barriers that support enterprise and therapeutic objectives. This position maintains high-level relationships with critical healthcare policy thought leaders, engages in strategic business planning, provides input to medical, clinical and regulatory priorities to meet the needs of government stakeholders and payers The Sr. Director of Public Policy will serve as a subject matter expert and leader on key internal teams including the Inflation Reduction Act core team.

The position is based in Washington, DC and will require some travel.

Key Functions Include:

• Collaborates with the VP of Government Affairs & Public Policy, alongside other Otsuka leaders, to shape and drive the U.S. public policy agenda in alignment with Otsuka’s strategic goals (business growth, innovation in medical science, and delivering quality care for patients and caregivers).

• Regularly presents strategic plans and policy updates to senior executives, including the CEO, head of Market Access, and Commercial leads.

• Develops and executes comprehensive policy strategies in collaboration with Federal/State Government Affairs, Alliance Development, and other counterparts.

• Partners with Government Affairs to assess and analyze key legislative and regulatory developments (e.g., price controls, Medicare/Medicaid, FDA, PBM reform, 340B reform), the potential impact on Otsuka’s business and operations, and possible strategies to prepare the business.

• Co‑Leads internal IRA Task Force (with Market Access and Finance) to monitor and analyze developments with the IRA and adjust practices to comply and prepare the business for impact as a result of the law’s implementation.

• Guide the commercial and R&D organizations to prepare for and adapt to possible federal and state laws and programs such as PDABs, importation, IRA, 340B, PBM reforms, etc.

• Directs the prioritization of U.S. policy initiatives, ensuring alignment with functions like Corporate Affairs, Regulatory, R&D, and Commercial to advance patient access and public health.

• Leads the creation of U.S. policy positions, maintaining consistency across business units and ensuring coherence with corporate strategies.

• Advances and represents Otsuka’s priorities within key U.S. trade organizations, particularly PhRMA, and maintains strong relationships with national policy organizations.

• Oversees a budget for a variety of vendors and consulting services that support anticipation, analysis, and development of public policies impacting Otsuka.

• Serves as a key member of the GAPP Leadership Team, contributing to the broader strategic direction of Otsuka’s public policy efforts.

Team Leadership & Accountability

• Sets clear objectives for direct reports, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals and priorities.

• Demonstrates agility by reprioritizing tasks as needed and fostering an environment where information is communicated effectively, and decisions are made swiftly.

• Contributes to the development of annual objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and ensure they alignment with the broader strategic plans across GAPP, Corporate Affairs, and Otsuka.

• Drives results through effective delegation and collaboration, empowering the team to achieve success.

• Facilitates strong communication channels within the team and across the Government Affairs and Corporate Affairs functions to promote cohesive collaboration.

• Provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities to direct reports, fostering growth and high performance.

• Cultivates strong working relationships within the team and across the business matrix, promoting partnership and collaboration across functions.

Essential Qualifications

• A master’s degree in health policy, Public Health, Public Affairs, or a related field preferred.

• At least 10 years of experience in health policy, public programs (Medicare, Medicaid), or government sectors, with a focus on payer/commercial expertise.

• A minimum of 5 years managing high-performing teams and ability to develop talent

• Strong knowledge of laws, regulations, and compliance guidance related to healthcare policies.

• Proven ability to assess and communicate the business impact of policies, shaping commercial strategies and defining policy objectives.

• Deep understanding of the U.S. biopharmaceutical market, government programs (Medicare, Medicaid), healthcare reform, pricing, reimbursement, regulatory.

• Track record of successfully collaborating across departments to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Competencies

Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.

Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.

Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.

Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.

Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $230,720.00 - Maximum $345,000.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline : This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits:

• Comprehensive medical
• dental
• vision
• prescription drug coverage
• company provided basic life
• accidental death & dismemberment
• short-term and long-term disability insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• student loan assistance
• a generous 401(k) match
• flexible time off
• paid holidays
• paid leave programs
• other company provided benefits

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://ah-prod.com/multi/videoplayer/player.html?v=6385356920112 .

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Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting [e-mail] .

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka–people creating new products for better health worldwide.” In the U.S., Otsuka is comprised of two companies, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., that share a deep commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative products in the spaces of neuroscience, nephrology, and digital medicine.

Driven by our purpose to defy limitation, so that others can too, we have an unwavering belief in doing more and transcending expectations. In going above and beyond—under any circumstances—for patients, families, providers, and for each other. It’s this deep-rooted dedication that drives us to uncover answers to complex, underserved medical needs, so that patients can push past the limitations of their disease and achieve more than they thought was possible each and every day.

OPDC and OAPI are indirect subsidiaries of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Otsuka group of companies employed 34,400 people worldwide and had consolidated sales of approximately USD 14.2 billion in 2023.

We invite you to explore our open positions for an opportunity to join our 2,200 colleagues in the U.S. whose passion for our mission and pride in our company have earned us certification as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute.