Deputy Vice President, Law (Artificial Intelligence)

Overview

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Deputy Vice President, Artificial Intelligence for the Law team to support its legal and policy efforts related to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and related issues of importance to the biopharmaceutical industry.

The Deputy Vice President will serve as PhRMA’s lead legal strategist on issues involving data governance and privacy; national and biosecurity; AI-related safety and product liability; AI governance and regulatory oversight and transparency; and AI infrastructure and competitive access impacting the biopharmaceutical industry. This role will provide strategic legal counsel across the organization, lead cross-functional initiatives, engage with member companies and external stakeholders, and help shape PhRMA’s positions on rapidly evolving legal and policy issues at the intersection of technology, innovation, and healthcare.

The position requires a forward-thinking legal leader who can anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and help advance industry priorities in an increasingly digital environment.

The Deputy Vice President will:

• Provide strategic legal counsel to PhRMA leadership and staff on AI, data governance and privacy, biosecurity, and technology-related issues affecting the association and its members, in coordination with internal subject matter experts and issue area leads.
• Lead the development and implementation of PhRMA’s legal strategy related to artificial intelligence, data privacy, biosecurity, data governance, and emerging technologies of interest to the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, litigation and policy developments related to AI, data governance and privacy, biosecurity, and related legislative and regulatory developments at the federal, state, and international levels, in coordination with internal subject matter experts and issue area leads.
• Assess emerging legislation, regulatory proposals, liability frameworks, and data governance issues affecting the biopharmaceutical industry and provide actionable recommendations to leadership, in coordination with internal subject matter experts and issue area leads.
• Develop and maintain expertise on emerging legal and regulatory frameworks on AI, including AI governance requirements, privacy and data governance laws, biosecurity considerations, and digital health regulations addressing the use of AI.
• Represent PhRMA before government agencies, policymakers, coalitions, trade associations, and other stakeholders on legal matters related to AI, data governance and privacy, biosecurity, and other emerging technology issues.
• Lead and facilitate member company legal workgroup(s) (as deemed necessary) focused on AI governance and regulations, data governance and privacy, and other emerging technology and biosecurity issues.
• Coordinate with PhRMA colleagues, departments, member companies, outside counsel, consultants, and industry partners to develop and advance policy positions and advocacy strategies.
• Draft legal analyses, position papers, comment letters, guidance documents, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with PhRMA attorneys and IT staff on contracts, AI governance, and operational issues involving technology vendors, data-sharing arrangements, cybersecurity matters, and AI-enabled tools, as requested.
• Collaborate with PhRMA attorneys on related legal issues, including FDA regulatory, intellectual property, and international, as requested.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with member company legal, privacy, national security, and government affairs professionals.
• Support crisis response efforts related to biosecurity, data governance and privacy, and other emerging technology issues as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Success Factors

PhRMA seeks a visionary, relationship-driven, and impact-focused individual who is passionate about contributing to the health care challenges we face today. The Deputy Vice President leverages deep expertise to guide strategic priorities, anticipates challenges, and aligns departmental efforts with broader organizational goals. A successful DVP is a trusted advisor, skilled in stakeholder influence and resource management, and leads cross-functional initiatives with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Professional Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience in privacy, biosecurity, artificial intelligence, technology law, digital health, data governance, regulatory law, or related fields consistent with PhRMA's Deputy Vice President level expectations.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal data governance and privacy laws, emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks, and other related technology and national security laws/biosecurity programs.
• Significant experience advising organizations on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters involving technology and data.
• Experience engaging with government agencies, policymakers, trade associations, industry coalitions, or other external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the legal and policy implications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automated decision-making systems, and other emerging technologies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex legal and technical concepts for executive and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives and managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Experience developing and maintaining productive relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and manage sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Must be willing to travel as requested and be responsive/available after hours and on weekends.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within the biopharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, technology, or highly regulated sectors.
• Experience leading industry workgroups, coalitions, or public policy initiatives.
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), or similar credentials.
• Experience managing outside counsel and consultants.

Potential Salary

$243,200-$346,700 per annum. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Who we are
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $900 billion in the search for new treatments and cures over the last decade, supporting nearly five million jobs in the United States.