State Policy & Advocacy Leader

Ferring Pharmaceuticals; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 231,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Generous vacation accrual

Job summary

Ferring Pharmaceuticals in Washington, DC seeks a Senior Director, State Government Affairs to lead state advocacy and regulatory strategy. You will build relationships with policymakers, identify opportunities, and shape lobbying priorities across states and at the federal level where relevant.

This role drives patient access and product launches through policy influence. You will supervise internal teams and external advocates, navigate regulatory environments, and ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or Law degree preferred.
• Major in Government Relations, Public Administration, Public Relations or Political Science, Legal Studies, or commensurate experience in these or related area is preferred.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs / relations at the local, state or federal level required; direct experience with policy issues affecting the life sciences industry with internal pharmaceutical company experience a plus.
• Understanding of legislative processes, including policy and budget processes, required; deep understanding preferred.
• Strong knowledge of policy development methodologies and procedures required, experience in a Congressional office and/or with state legislators and Governors offices a plus.
• Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of budgeting, budget management and projections for a government affairs function
• Effective written and oral communication skills required; experience in communications field a plus.
• Ability to influence and drive positive outcomes with Senior level Government officials & Stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, autonomously, proven ability to be self-directed, work with minimal supervision and accept responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute state advocacy strategies that align with Ferring's business objectives, patient access goals, and public policy priorities.
• Partner with business leaders and cross-functional teams to identify advocacy priorities and deliver coordinated policy strategies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic guidance on risks, opportunities, and business implications.
• Lead state-based advocacy campaigns and influence regulatory and reimbursement environments that impact patients and providers.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, regulators, and advocacy organizations.
• Represent Ferring's interests before state government officials and external stakeholders while elevating the company's reputation.
• Identify and advance policy opportunities while addressing challenges affecting the business.
• Serve as lead state government affairs expert, providing timely insights on policy trends.
• Support lobbying efforts through analysis, messaging, and coalition-building.
• Develop advocacy strategies to support product launches and market access.
• Prepare policy communications and stakeholder materials, including testimony and briefings.
• Prepare internal stakeholders for legislative meetings and regulatory engagements.
• Collaborate with public health organizations and patient advocates to advance public health objectives.
• Lead external consultants and manage budgets and timelines for state priorities.
• Deliver actionable policy insights to inform business decisions and patient access.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Lobbying/regulatory knowledge

Budgeting awareness

Independent work ability

Pressure management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s or Law degree

Job description

Ferring Pharmaceuticals in Washington, DC seeks a Senior Director, State Government Affairs to lead state advocacy and regulatory strategy. You will build relationships with policymakers, identify opportunities, and shape lobbying priorities across states and at the federal level where relevant.

This role drives patient access and product launches through policy influence. You will supervise internal teams and external advocates, navigate regulatory environments, and ensure compliance with