OverviewPharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Director for the Advocacy and Strategic Alliances team to support its international advocacy efforts. The Director will develop and execute third-party stakeholder engagement strategies focused on international pharmaceutical pricing and market access policies, with particular emphasis on Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing and related policy developments in the European Union, Australia, Japan and Canada. Reporting to the Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Alliances, the Director will cultivate relationships with patient advocacy organizations, provider groups, industry associations, and other influential stakeholders to advance policies that support biopharmaceutical innovation and patient access to innovative medicines.
The Director will:- Develop and execute international stakeholder engagement strategies to advance PhRMA's advocacy priorities related to MFN pricing, international reference pricing, and market access policies, with particular emphasis on the European Union, Australia, Japan and Canada.
- Support efforts to advance U.S. competitiveness and engage in policies that would impact company's ability to research and enter international partnerships.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with patient advocacy organizations, provider associations, disease-based organizations, think tanks, and other third-party stakeholders to strengthen engagement on international pharmaceutical policy issues.
- Identify and cultivate new stakeholder partnerships, assessing opportunities to engage organizations whose priorities align with policies that support biopharmaceutical innovation, patient access, and sustainable health care systems.
- Monitor and analyze international pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement, and market access policy developments, including their implications for patients, innovation, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Collaborate closely with PhRMA's International Advocacy, Policy and Research, Public Affairs, and other internal teams to develop coordinated advocacy strategies and ensure alignment across priority markets and policy initiatives.
- Develop and communicate clear, compelling advocacy materials, including policy briefs, talking points, stakeholder presentations, correspondence, and other resources that translate complex pharmaceutical policy issues for diverse international audiences.
- Plan and execute stakeholder engagement initiatives, including briefings, roundtables, coalition activities, and other strategic opportunities to elevate third-party perspectives on international pharmaceutical policy.
- Represent PhRMA in meetings with external stakeholders, partner organizations, and international advocacy networks, building credibility and strengthening relationships while demonstrating cultural awareness and diplomacy.
- Manage multiple international advocacy projects and stakeholder initiatives, establishing priorities, tracking deliverables, evaluating engagement outcomes, and providing strategic recommendations to internal leadership.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Success FactorsPhRMA seeks a proactive, confident, and action-oriented individual who is passionate about contributing to the health care challenges we face today. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong political judgment, cultural awareness, and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse international stakeholder groups. The individual must be an effective communicator who can translate complex pharmaceutical policy issues into clear, actionable advocacy strategies. Success requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong project management skills. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, diplomatic, adaptable, and comfortable navigating evolving policy environments, competing priorities, and time-sensitive initiatives with professionalism and independence.
Professional Experience / Requirements- Bachelor's degree in international affairs, public policy, political science, government relations, public affairs, or a related field.
- 6+ years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government affairs, international advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies involving third-party organizations, coalitions, or other external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement, market access, or health care policy issues, including an understanding of international policy environments.
- Experience engaging with stakeholders across international markets and navigating complex political, regulatory, or policy environments.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with diverse external organizations and internal partners.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, persuasive written and verbal communications.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver results within established timelines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, political judgment, and cultural awareness, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically across diverse audiences.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
Preferred Experience / Requirements- Experience working on pharmaceutical pricing and market access policies in the European Union, Australia, or Canada.
- Familiarity with Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing, international reference pricing, health technology assessment, and government pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement systems.
- Experience working with international patient advocacy organizations, provider associations, health policy organizations, or pharmaceutical industry associations.
- Experience developing international coalitions or coordinating advocacy initiatives across multiple markets.
- Experience working within a trade association, pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, public affairs organization, or international policy environment.
- Advanced degree in public policy, international relations, public health, or a related discipline.
- Professional proficiency in a language other than English.
Potential Salary$110,400 - $151,900 per annum. 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.
