The Director, State Policy is a key contributor within the U.S. Policy & Research team, responsible for helping to develop and execute Bristol Myers Squibb’s state policy strategy across Medicaid, drug pricing, coverage and reimbursement, affordability initiatives, and CMMI demonstrations.
This role supports a proactive, coordinated approach to state policy development and implementation, working closely with internal and external partners to advance policies that improve patient access while supporting innovation. The Director will regularly engage with internal stakeholders across USPGA and partner closely with State and Local Government Affairs and Alliance Development teams on priority state issues.
The Director reports to the Senior Director, U.S. Policy & Research, State Policy and plays a critical role in translating complex state policy developments into clear, actionable insights for internal teams and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
State Policy Development & Execution
Support the development and execution of BMS’s state policy agenda, including Medicaid reimbursement, state affordability proposals, prescription drug pricing initiatives, and other legislative and regulatory activity.
Track and analyze state legislative sessions, Medicaid waiver activity, regulatory actions, and state implementation of federal health policy reforms.
Identify emerging risks and opportunities in state policy and provide timely, policy-informed recommendations to internal stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Policy, Legal, Market Access (MaX), Communications, and business partners to ensure alignment on state policy priorities and responses.
Provide state policy insights that inform brand planning, access strategy, contracting, and enterprise risk mitigation.
Contribute to development of briefing materials, impact assessments, and executive-ready summaries on priority state issues.
Support State and Local Government Affairs and Alliance teams with policy analysis and content for advocacy and coalition-building activities.
External Engagement
Support engagement with state Medicaid agencies, governors’ offices, legislators, and regulatory bodies, in coordination with State and Local Government Affairs.
Build relationships with key national organizations and state-focused groups (e.g., NAMD, NCSL, NGA, state policy associations).
Contribute to state-focused policy discussions within trade associations such as PhRMA and BIO, helping ensure BMS perspectives are reflected.
Communication & Policy Enablement
Assist in developing policy briefs, talking points, and external-facing materials for engagement with state policymakers and partners.
Deliver clear, concise updates to internal stakeholders on evolving state policy developments and potential impacts.
Effectively articulate BMS’s state policy positions in a clear, accessible manner for a bipartisan audience.
Team & Organizational Contribution
Collaborate with other members of the State Policy team to support shared goals and coverage across regions and policy issue areas.
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in analytical rigor, enterprise thinking, and patient-focused values.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public health, law, economics, political science, or related discipline.
8–12 years of experience in state healthcare policy, government affairs, Medicaid policy, reimbursement, or related fields.
Strong understanding of state Medicaid programs, drug pricing legislation, reimbursement mechanisms, and affordability initiatives.
Experience supporting policy development and advocacy across cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to analyze state policy developments and communicate implications clearly.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing materials for senior leaders.
Demonstrated commitment to a patient-first mindset and adherence to BMS values.
Preferred
Advanced degree (MPH, JD, MPP, MBA, or related).
Experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare consulting, or a trade association.
Prior experience working with or supporting state government engagement efforts.
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Washington DC - US: $206,210 - $249,878
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
0Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as Transforming patients lives through science , every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
