Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs

Job ID: 31162527Company: Abbott LaboratoriesLocation: Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesEmployment type: full timeCategory: Corporate ServicesIndustry: HealthcarePosted: 2026-10-09

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

The Opportunity
The Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs will advance and protect Abbott’s interests with Congress, federal agencies, and key trade and business associations. This leader will drive public policy strategy across all Abbott businesses, analyzing legislative and regulatory developments and shaping the company’s positions on critical issues.

The role is responsible for developing and executing advocacy strategies to influence federal policies, legislation, and regulations, with a particular focus on healthcare policy and the evolving role of technology in healthcare delivery and innovation.

The successful candidate will proactively monitor emerging policy trends, assess potential business impacts, and develop strategic plans that effectively address issues affecting Abbott’s diverse portfolio. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor, helping to shape policy outcomes that support innovation, patient access, and business objectives.

Location: Washington, D.C.

What You’ll Work On

• Review and analyze legislative and executive branch activities to assess the level of impact on the company
• Develop strategic plans and recommendations to influence legislative and agency actions, and proactively identify opportunities for Abbott in the policy-making arena
• Develop and successfully implement action plans by working with relevant stakeholders, including business and corporate personnel, outside allies, coalitions and trade associations
• Advance and protect Abbott interests and reputation with key stakeholders by maintaining and developing relationships with policymakers and opinion leaders
• Brief and staff Abbott senior leadership during Washington D.C. policy-related meetings or visits by elected officials to Abbott facilities
• Increase the business’s understanding of, and participation in, the policy-making and political process on behalf of Abbott

Experience You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• University or bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in positions of increasing responsibility and experience in the public sector or government affairs is required
• Demonstrated success in influencing the development of policy, and knowledge of the political process, is required
• Proven ability to work well with key policymakers, major association policy teams, and executives
• Established track record of policy development, negotiations, professional writing and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects under deadline pressure
• Strong understanding of the intent of legislation or proposed policies/regulation and the ability to assess the extent to which such legislation or regulations support or conflict with Abbott’s positions or interests
• Strong ability to communicate, synthesize key government issues, develop strategy and persuade constituencies towards specific actions and initiatives
• Proven ability to drive for results, motivate and positively influence individuals both inside and outside of the organization 
• Recognized team player who seeks to become an integral part of an industry-leading government affairs group
• Demonstrated evidence of strong organizational skills, adept at managing complex array of projects/issues

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science, public policy, public health, or MBA/JD is a plus
• Knowledge of medical devices/diagnostics/nutrition areas of health care preferred

The base pay for this position is $171,300.00 – $342,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.]]><