Senior Director, State Government Relations

California Life Sciences; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

LTD

STD

Group Life insurance

401(k) with matching

FSA/HSA options

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

California Life Sciences seeks a Senior Director of State Government Relations in Sacramento to advocate for the life sciences sector with state officials, regulators, and policymakers. You will work closely with CLS member companies and stakeholders to advance policy objectives and issue campaigns that foster a favorable environment for California’s vibrant life sciences industry.

You will lead advocacy strategies, manage cabinet-level relationships, and coordinate with industry associations to

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent required; MA/MS or JD a plus.
• 7–10 years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience.
• Experience working with California state officials, agencies, and staff.
• Experience implementing strategic, multi-dimensional issue campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead advocacy and policy efforts for California life sciences, coordinating with member companies and stakeholders.
• Manage CLS priority legislative and regulatory issues from the Sacramento office; ensure external communications align with CLS expectations.
• Develop and advance policies that promote the growth of California’s life sciences industry.
• Oversee contract lobbyists, counsel, and public affairs consultants at state and local levels.
• Lead committees and weekly meetings with CLS member companies on priority issues.
• Align CLS priorities with member companies and partner organizations such as AdvaMed, BIO, BIOCOM, and PhRMA.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or JD (plus)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Director, State Government Relations

Advocacy SAC Full Time Sacramento, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1048

Salary Range: $140,000.00 To $210,000.00 Annually

Job Title : Senior Director, State Government Relations

Reports to:SVP, Government Relations & External Affairs

Hours:Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Annual Base Salary Range:$140,000 - $210,000

About California Life Sciences

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has served the community by supporting companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. As integral components of a healthy and collaborative ecosystem, CLS also works closely with universities, academic and research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners that promote this vibrant sector. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and Washington DC, CLS works to shape public policy, to improve access to breakthrough technologies, to educate lawmakers, and to advance equity within our ecosystem by championing innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times. In doing so, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and to nurture California’s life sciences industry, empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world. #WeAreCaliforniaLifeSciences

CLS currently offers a full suite of employee benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, LTD, STD, and Group Life insurance, 401(k) plans with matching, FSA and HSA options, and a generous paid time off and paid holiday schedule.

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Job Summary

The Senior Director, State Government Relations, serves as an advocate for the life sciences community with California state elected officials, the Governor’s office, regulatory agencies, and staff. Primary responsibilities of this role include working closely with CLS member companies, key stakeholders, and policymakers to identify and to advance policy objectives and issue campaigns to create a favorable environment for California’s growing life sciences industry.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Advocacy/Policy

• Manage direct reports in the Sacramento office—ensuring proper coverage of all CLS priority legislative and regulatory issues, maintaining regular communication with CLS member companies, and ensuring any external communication is aligned with CLS expectations.
• Identify, develop, and advocate for policies which promote the growth of California’s life sciences industry.
• elp design and implement integrated government relations, communications, and advocacy strategies to influence favorable outcomes on key issues.
• Help manage CLS’ contract lobbyists, counsel, and public affairs consultants at both the state and local levels.
• Leadcommittees,working groups, and weekly meetings with CLS member companies on priority issues for the life sciences.
• Align priorities, strategies, and activities with CLS member companies and partner organizations such as AdvaMed, BIO, BIOCOM, and PhRMA.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity, secure bill sponsors, and prepare letters, briefing documents, testimony, position papers, etc., advocating CLS policy positions.
• Lead coalition and partnership management with patient organizations.
• Support CLS engagement and partnership with outside trade associations and organizations for legislative action and education efforts.

Issue Education/Relationship-Building

• Proactively organize facility tours, roundtables, and issue education events in Sacramento and major CLS operating regions throughout California for legislators and CLS members every quarter.
• Organize issue education events with legislative caucuses/legislators that support CLS’ health equity policy priorities.
• Represent the organization in a competent manner to outside stakeholders, establish relationships and regular contact with legislators, staff, the Governor’s office, and key state agencies, providing input and testimony on issues important to the life sciences community.

Background and Experience

• B.A. or B.S. or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience required; M.A., M.S., or J.D. a plus.
• 7-10 years of government relations, advocacy, policy, campaign, or public affairs experience.
• Experience working with California state elected officials, government agencies, and staff.
• Experience implementing strategic, multi-dimensional issue campaigns.