Director, State Government Affairs (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic)

Primary Purpose

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the world's largest advocacy association representing member companies, state biotechnology groups, academic and research institutions, and related organizations across the United States and in 30+ countries. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

The State Government Affairs Director is a key regional lobbyist responsible for coordinating state government affairs activities across a designated region. This role serves as the primary point of contact for local Council of State Bio Associations (CSBA) affiliates, member companies, and advocacy organizations, ensuring alignment on healthcare, agriculture, bio-industrial, and economic development legislative issues that impact the biotechnology industry. The Director actively monitors, responds to, and lobbies on state-level legislative matters, including managing lobbyists, submitting testimony, and maintaining strong relationships with public officials. Additional responsibilities include developing grassroots coalitions, assisting with policy development, and supporting communications in responding to media inquiries. The role also involves national responsibility for certain healthcare legislative issues and coordination with BIO's internal teams on policy positions and industry events.

The territory includes the following states: DE, MD, WV, VA, NC, SC, KY, TN, AR, GA, AL, MS, FL

ESSENTIAL Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key public officials, including governors, key administration officials and state legislative leaders, to advance key BIO positions and initiatives. Provide regular updates on the political climate within the region, including key elections, shifts in political power, or changes in leadership.
• Act as principal point of contact for state affiliates, BIO member company state government affairs representatives, and patient and other advocacy organizations.
• Report on the status of ongoing advocacy campaigns, such as meetings with state legislators or coalitions the organization is part of, to the organization's state government relations committees, summarizing the outcomes of committee meetings, recommendations for strategic actions, and providing feedback from key stakeholders.
• Execute meetings and calls for state CSBA affiliates and member company representatives in the region and support affiliate needs at the BIO International Convention.
• Monitor and respond to all healthcare-related legislative issues affecting the biotechnology industry at the state level, with additional focus on agriculture, bio-industrial, and economic development issues as needed. Work with BIO Communications and Media staff to craft informative, persuasive, and on-message responses to media inquiries relating to state issues.
• Provide summaries of new or ongoing state legislation that could impact BIO's interests, including bills in progress, recent votes, committee hearings, and upcoming legislative sessions. Provide immediate reports on new legislative bills, emergency regulations, or last-minute amendments that could significantly affect the organization, which may include fast-moving issues that require swift advocacy responses or stakeholder engagement.
• Track state regulations relevant to BIO and report on how these regulations are evolving and their potential effects. Identify opportunities for advancing the organization's priorities, such as newly introduced legislation that aligns with their goals or threats that could undermine them. This may also include timely efforts during crises or when significant political, legislative, or regulatory shifts occur that require immediate action.
• Manage contract lobbyists and consultants retained by BIO within their assigned region.
• Submit oral and written testimony and actively lobby state policymakers in response to state legislative activities and agendas.
• Maintain an effective, versatile, and active grassroots network to improve legislative responses.
• As directed, act as BIO's representative in regional and national state government affairs organizations.

Education, experience, and skills

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government, law, or a related field (Master's degree or JD preferred).

Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience in government relations, lobbying, or public policy, preferably within biotechnology, healthcare, or related sectors.
• Proven track record of lobbying at the state level and managing government relations efforts.
• Experience working with state legislative bodies and government officials, including governors, administration leaders, and legislators.
• Experience managing contract lobbyists and external consultants is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to deliver persuasive oral and written advocacy.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with public officials, industry stakeholders, and advocacy organizations.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple legislative initiatives simultaneously.
• Analytical skills for interpreting legislative and regulatory developments.
• Media relations experience, including crafting responses to media inquiries, is a plus.

Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Political acumen and the ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Strategic thinking to identify legislative opportunities and threats.
• Ability to develop and maintain grassroots coalitions and advocacy networks.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments and adapt to sudden shifts in legislative priorities.

Frequent travel required.

BIO is an equal opportunity employer. BIO does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.