Sr. Director - State Government Affairs

Role Summary

The Senior Director is responsible for the development and implementation of Lilly’s state government affairs strategy with tight coordination with our Business Units. This role requires technical expertise and cross-functional leadership to make business and legislative decisions within the enterprise and with external entities. The Senior Director leads large-scale projects or campaigns and manages relationships with governors, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, and local officials.

• Responsible for Lilly’s state and local lobbying and regulatory work; support Lilly’s Federal office by leveraging relationships with congressional members from states within your geography.
• Provide and influence decisions within the State Government Affairs team and external partners on legislative issues aligned with business objectives.
• Serve as the primary company representative with the executive branch, the Legislature, regulatory agencies and local officials.
• Engage and influence biopharma industry trade associations on behalf of Lilly.
• Lead activities of contract lobbying firms and/or public relations firms within the region.
• Develop and maintain relationships with advocacy and business organizations aligned with Lilly’s objectives.
• Engage with civic and community organizations within the area.
• Analyze and anticipate changes to the public and private business environment across multiple geographies; identify trends impacting opportunities.
• Educate and develop voluntary Lilly PAC participation and handle PAC and corporate political contributions where legally allowed.
• Coordinate in-state legislative activity with Lilly’s business unit corporate affairs to achieve cross-functional results.
• Manage a regional budget.

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in political science or related fields
• Required: 10+ years of experience in government affairs or related lobbying
• Required: Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (no work visa sponsorship)
• Preferred: Specialized knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process across multiple geographies
• Preferred: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Preferred: Business acumen
• Preferred: Ability to work across boundaries and networks
• Preferred: Ability to lead in a sophisticated environment and solve complex public policy problems with broad impact

• Strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Policy analysis and legislative affairs
• Project and budget management