Director, Federal Government Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Director, Federal Government Relations

Location: Washington, DC
Department: Policy and Advocacy
Reports to: Senior Director, Federal Government Relations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary Range: $120,000–$150,000
Travel: Up to 10–15%

About California Life Sciences (CLS)

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the leading voice for California's life sciences industry, representing companies developing the next generation of medicines, medical technologies, and healthcare innovations. For more than 30 years, we've partnered with policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to advance policies that improve health and accelerate innovation. From groundbreaking startups to global biotech and pharmaceutical companies, our members are transforming lives, and CLS helps ensure they have the policy environment to succeed.

About the Opportunity

CLS is seeking a Director of Federal Government Relations to lead our advocacy efforts in Washington, DC. This is an exciting opportunity for a policy professional who thrives at the intersection of healthcare, innovation, and public policy.

You'll work directly with Congress, federal agencies, industry leaders, and coalition partners to advance policies that strengthen California's life sciences ecosystem and improve patient access to groundbreaking medical innovation.

We're looking for someone with Capitol Hill experience, strong bipartisan relationships, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for shaping federal policy.

What You'll Do

• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and execute federal advocacy strategies that advance CLS policy priorities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity affecting biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical innovation.
• Translate complex policy developments into clear recommendations, briefings, and communications for CLS members.
• Represent CLS before Congress, at industry events, coalition meetings, and policy forums.
• Strengthen partnerships with member companies, trade associations, advocacy organizations, and external partners.
• Help expand CLS's visibility and influence through strategic engagement and educational programming.
• Ensure compliance with federal lobbying registration and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate across the organization to support advocacy initiatives and member engagement.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5+ years of experience in federal government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or advocacy.
• Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred, including work for a Member of Congress or congressional committee.
• Strong knowledge of federal healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences policy.
• Ability to analyze complex legislative issues and develop strategic policy recommendations.
• Proven relationship-building skills with policymakers and external stakeholders.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving policy environment.

Preferred

• Experience with political or issue advocacy campaigns.
• Familiarity with California's congressional delegation and policy priorities.
• Experience working for a trade association, membership organization, healthcare organization, or advocacy group.
• Expertise in biotechnology, biomedical innovation, healthcare, or pharmaceutical policy.

Why Join CLS?

At CLS, you'll help shape federal policies that support one of the world's most innovative life sciences ecosystems. You'll work alongside industry leaders, policymakers, and mission-driven colleagues dedicated to improving health through scientific innovation.

If you're passionate about public policy, bipartisan engagement, and advancing breakthroughs that improve lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational budget.

California Life Sciences is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.