Associate Director, Federal Government Affairs

Associate Director, Federal Government Affairs

The Associate Director (AD), Federal Government Affairs, will assist in the development, communication, and deployment of Otsuka's federal strategies, engagement activities, and policy priorities that promote access to therapies, preserve patient/provider choice, and generally protect Otsuka's business interests in policy areas impacting Mental Health, Nephrology, Immunology, and Rare Disease. This role reports directly to the Director, Federal Government Affairs and is located in the Washington, DC area. The Associate Director will leverage Otsuka's resources including Otsuka US Political Action Committee (OUSPAC), trade associations, and consultants to advance company policy positions. The AD will also work strategically to help advance, defeat or mitigate decisions or actions by the U.S. Congress and Administration that could negatively or positively affect our business or patients. Accountable for building and maintaining relationships with key members and staff of U.S. Congress as well as political appointees within an Administration, including communicating, advocating, and direct lobbying of Otsuka policy positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze proposed and emerging federal legislation/regulation to determine its impacts on Otsuka business and the industry; help determine the most effective strategies to advance business priorities in coordination with the Government Affairs & Public Policy Leadership Team
• Work in collaboration with the Director, Federal Government Affairs, to develop and implement federal strategies to achieve favorable results
• Responsible for the successful execution of Otsuka's federal legislative goals, corporate initiatives, and internal business goals, and ensure focus to achieve these priorities
• Interact with federal policy decision-makers and influencers, advocacy leaders, relevant committee chairs, members, support staff, and others relevant officials regarding issues impacting access to care within the health care delivery system, in accordance with Otsuka strategic objectives
• Help raise profile of Otsuka within various communities, including advocacy, political, and trade associations; seek out and serve in volunteer leadership roles to advance professional development and business objectives
• Conduct all activities in compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations and company policies

Expectations

• Share relevant information freely, seek collaboration and input where appropriate; achieve results with and through others across Gov't Affairs & Public Policy and the greater Corporate Affairs
• Individual capable of identifying relevant public policy issues and implementing comprehensive plans to both protect and advance the interests of the Company
• Effective communicator with strong presentation skills with the ability to interact with both external and internal audiences
• Demonstrate effective working relationships both within and outside of the team

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant legislative experience, primarily in healthcare, including working with the federal branch and/or Congress; or 5+ years diverse background in the pharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years in government affairs required
• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree in law, health policy, or MBA preferred
• Ability to effectively deliver information, and explain, advocate, and negotiate positions and issues to a broad spectrum of individuals required
• Strong work ethic with ability to handle a fast-paced, vigorous schedule; comfortable with shouldering and assessing risk
• In-depth understanding of healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industry issues required
• Demonstrated track record of strong advocacy and communication skills
• Ability to forge consensus, take others' viewpoints into account, and work as part of a team
• Strong organizational, planning, strategic thinking, and people management skills
• Independent thinker who can diplomatically and articulately present ideas that may be different from the prevailing or conventional views
• Experience working with diverse coalitions and adeptness in developing and facilitating strategy across a network of internal and external partners

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran or disabled status, or any protected status. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.