Overview Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Deputy Vice President for the Public Affairs team to lead its communications on the innovation ecosystem. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs, this leadership role will shape and drive integrated communications strategies that demonstrate the value of biopharmaceutical innovation, strengthen American leadership, and advance PhRMA's policy priorities.
The Deputy Vice President will provide strategic direction across industry value, economics, manufacturing, science, regulatory and public health communications, directly supervise two portfolio leads, and proactively identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and advance priorities. This person will also lead PhRMA's communications efforts on artificial intelligence (AI). The ability to build consensus among internal and external stakeholders, make sound decisions, and work well with others is essential.
ResponsibilitiesThe DVP will:- Lead the innovation ecosystem public affairs portfolio, setting strategic priorities, making sound decisions, and driving execution and measurable results.
- Drive communications supporting the industry's American leadership campaign and the value of the biopharmaceutical industry to patients, the health care system and society.
- Oversee integrated messaging and campaigns on industry value, economic contributions, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, in coordination with policy and advocacy teams.
- Provide strategic direction for science, regulatory and public health communications, including vaccines and antimicrobial resistance, in partnership with portfolio leads.
- Anticipate emerging issues and lead strategic communications on AI; advise senior leadership and coordinate with intellectual property and government pricing colleagues to advance aligned PhRMA priorities.
- Lead the development of effective messaging and communications materials, including media statements, blog posts, op-eds, letters to the editor, press releases, talking points, social media posts and paid media collateral.
- Cultivate productive relationships with member companies, external stakeholders, media, and agency partners; oversee consultants, resources, and campaign performance.
- Understand legislative, political and advocacy dynamics related to prescription drug costs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Success FactorsPhRMA seeks a proactive, confident, and action-oriented individual who is passionate about helping solve today's health care challenges. The successful candidate is a strategic, trusted leader who exercises sound independent judgment and turns priorities into action. This individual brings executive presence, creativity, accountability, and the ability to guide and develop colleagues while building trust across teams. Strong writing, communication, and influencing skills are essential, as is the ability to navigate ambiguity, make timely decisions, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. The leader balances a collaborative approach with the confidence to challenge assumptions and deliver results.
Professional Experience / Requirements- Bachelor's degree.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in public affairs, strategic communications, advocacy, government, corporate affairs, trade associations, or related settings.
- Substantial experience with health care, biopharmaceutical, science, innovation, or closely related policy issues.
- Demonstrated success designing and leading complex, integrated communications and advocacy campaigns with measurable outcomes.
- Experience managing people, cross-functional workstreams, and external agency partners.
- Excellent writing, media relations, presentation, stakeholder engagement, and executive advisory skills.
- Proven ability to lead, set strategy and make decisions independently, advise senior executives, develop talent, and influence stakeholders across an organization.
Potential Salary$196,000-$280,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
What we offerIn addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, various opportunities for reward and recognition and a platform of extensive benefits, PhRMA is committed to the development and overall wellbeing of our team members. We offer traditional (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, AD&D, LTD, STD) and enhanced benefits such as parental leave, a well-being program, an on-site fitness facility, back-up care, health advocate service, an employee assistance program, and commuting benefits. We also offer a robust 401k plan with employer contributions upon the first day of hire and immediate vesting, a generous paid time off plan, ten paid holidays (plus inauguration day), half day Fridays preceding holidays, half day Fridays in the summer months, and a paid winter break. As an organization, we work together in the office on Mondays through Thursdays and remotely on Fridays. We also all work remotely in August.
We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities including an integrated onboarding program, best-in-class leadership programming, tuition reimbursement, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management/professional development programs. Corporate social responsibility is also important to us at PhRMA. Our team members participate in community service activities, fundraising drives and charitable athletic events.
We are committed to supporting our family of professionals at PhRMA and strive to create programs that help our team members manage the challenges of balancing a fast-paced career with their personal goals.
The job description contains an overview of the activities and duties for this role. Responsibilities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time.
