Director, State Government Affairs

Director, State Government Affairs The promise of genetic medicine has arrived, and Sarepta is at the forefront. We hold a leadership position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and are building a robust portfolio of programs across muscle, central nervous system, and cardiac diseases. In 2023, we launched our fourth therapy and the first ever gene therapy to treat Duchenne. We're looking for people who see unlimited potential in themselves and who are motivated by an unwavering commitment to patients. At Sarepta, we care deeply about all the people in our community and believe in the importance of supporting them in all aspects of their lives. We aspire to maintain a culture that acknowledges people bring their whole selves to work, and we will strive to help everyone in our community integrate their work and personal lives while maintaining productivity. We are committed to offering a range of benefits and work-life resources designed to support people in the following areas: Physical and Emotional Wellness Financial Wellness Support for Caregivers The Importance of the Role Reporting to the Executive Director, State Government Affairs, the Director, State Government Affairs will be responsible for developing, communicating, advocating, and executing Sarepta's strategy in an assigned region in the United States by engaging with state legislatures, state administrations, state regulatory agencies and working collaboratively internally as well as with external partners including industry trade associations, coalitions, and other third-party partners. The Opportunity to Make a Difference Serve as the primary representative of Sarepta to public officials in the assigned region, developing and maintaining strategic relationships with members of state legislatures, committee staff, administration staff, regulatory officials and in some instances, local jurisdictions, to advocate on issues affecting Sarepta. Develop and drive implementation of Sarepta's state government affairs engagement plan in the assigned region to shape a positive policy environment for achieving Sarepta's goals, as well as those to mitigate or prevent negative impacts. Assess the political climate related to rare disease and gene therapy policies in the assigned region to determine effects on the industry and Sarepta's near- and long-term goals and provide policy or mitigation strategies to ensure Sarepta's goals are achieved. Represent and advocate for the Company's interests through active participation on various trade association committees and coalitions. Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts in the assigned region and among other public opinion leaders to ensure Sarepta's interests are reflected in important legislative environments, taking meetings independently as appropriate. Collaborate and coordinate across Sarepta in the assigned region in the development and execution of strategies and related activities. Hire and manage external consultants in the assigned region, pending budget approval, to ensure execution of Sarepta's goals and mitigate any negative impacts. Build coalitions of third-party partners, patient advocates, medical professionals and others as needed in the assigned region to ensure execution of Sarepta's goals. Draft memos, educational materials, and presentations detailing the impact of state legislation and policy on the company's business, as well as the State Government Affairs strategy and make recommendations for action as needed. Work and contribute as a highly functioning team player by sharing best practices, communicating relevant insights on issues and intelligence, leading special projects, and coordinating with team members to ensure Sarepta State Government Affairs coverage of key meetings, events, and activities. Support and facilitate Sarepta's interactions with state Medicaid agencies. Oversee compliance with state laws and internal ethical requirements related to lobbyists registration, reporting and political contributions in the assigned region. Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of issues including, but not limited to, rare diseases, Medicaid, gene therapy, newborn screening, pharmaceutical reimbursement and other healthcare or corporate issues that impact the pharmaceutical industry. More about You Minimum of 10+ years current and relevant experience in state government affairs/policy. Bachelor's degree required in relevant field. Thorough understanding of state government, including legislative, regulatory and political processes. Prior experience as a state lobbyist strongly preferred. Experience working in the healthcare sector or related industry with particular knowledge of rare disease therapies and healthcare reimbursement policies. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials and their staffs as well as other government and non-governmental policy leaders. Confirmed ability to write and edit legislative language and impact state legislation and regulations to achieve corporate goals. Innovative thinker, effective communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills. A high level of energy and passion toward patients, science and good policy. Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, industry trade associations, patient advocates and influential policy organizations. Attention to detail and an ability to recognize issues in the context of higher-level policies and regulations. Self-initiating, well-organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently. This position will require up to 40% domestic travel with the primary areas located in the assigned region of the United States. We're always looking for solution-oriented, critical thinkers. So, if you're comfortable with ambiguity and candor, relish challenging yourself, and place kindness and integrity at the forefront of how you approach your peers and work, then we encourage you to apply.