Becton, Dickinson and Company

Director, U.S. Government Relations

Becton, Dickinson and Company$202K — $324K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10-12 years in government relations, public policy, or advocacy with senior-level responsibility.
  • Substantial experience with the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory process, including Congress.
  • Prior roles on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, or senior state government positions are preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead complex advocacy initiatives and manage political risk.
  • Demonstrated success with external lobbying firms and multi-jurisdictional campaigns.
  • Experience in healthcare, life sciences, or regulated industries is essential.
  • Strong strategic judgment and executive presence to advise senior leaders.
  • Excellent communication skills for high-level briefings; degree required, advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and execution of U.S. government relations strategies across jurisdictions.
  • Anticipate and respond to legislative and regulatory developments impacting the company.
  • Shape company policy positions on high-impact issues with a balance of business and reputational factors.
  • Represent the company in senior engagements with Congress and key policymakers.
  • Direct advocacy efforts through management of external lobbying firms and consultants.
  • Participate in trade associations and coalitions to shape advocacy directions.
  • Prepare executive-level briefings and strategic recommendations for senior executives.
  • Mentor junior government relations professionals to build team capability.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance plans.
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs.
  • Flexibility in work arrangements.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Director, U.S. Government Relations is a senior, highly visible role responsible for leading and executing integrated federal and state advocacy strategies that advance the company's U.S. policy, market access, and business objectives, while proactively identifying, managing, and mitigating enterprise-wide policy, political, and reputational risk.

In a rapidly evolving healthcare and MedTech environment, this role serves as a strategic enterprise partner, translating political, legislative, and regulatory developments into actionable strategies that enable access, protect operations and supply chain resilience, mitigate risk, and create long-term opportunity across the portfolio.

Reporting to the Senior Director, U.S. Government Relations, the Director operates with significant autonomy and influence, owning priority advocacy initiatives end-to-end and advising senior leaders on policy risk, opportunity, and positioning.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and execution of U.S. government relations strategies across federal and priority state and local jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on Congressional strategy, aligned with enterprise and business-unit priorities.
  • Anticipate, assess, and respond to legislative, regulatory, and political developments with material impact on the company's portfolio, operations, and reputation.
  • Shape and advance company policy positions on complex, high-impact issues, balancing business objectives, policy feasibility, and reputational considerations.
  • Represent the company in senior-level engagements with Members of Congress and Congressional staff, as well as federal and state regulators, governors' offices, and other key policymakers.
  • Direct and manage external lobbying firms, consultants, and advisors, ensuring coordinated Hill, federal agency, and state-level strategies, clear priorities, and strong performance management.
  • Play leadership roles within trade associations, coalitions, and industry groups to advance company priorities and help shape coordinated Congressional and state advocacy efforts.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, preparing executive-level briefings, talking points, and strategic recommendations.
  • Partner closely with Healthcare Policy and Market Access, Communications, Legal, Integrated Supply Chain, and commercial teams to ensure alignment across advocacy, messaging, and business objectives.
  • Mentor and coach junior government relations professionals, contributing to overall team capability and effectiveness.


Qualifications:
  • 10-12 years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, public affairs, or advocacy, including senior-level responsibility in a corporate, trade association, consulting, or government environment.
  • Substantial experience engaging the U.S. federal legislative and regulatory process, including direct interaction with Congress and/or federal agencies; demonstrated state-level experience preferred.
  • Prior experience on Capitol Hill, within a federal agency, or in a senior state or gubernatorial role, or equivalent senior-level government service.
  • Proven track record of leading complex advocacy initiatives, managing political and reputational risk, and influencing legislative, regulatory, or policy outcomes.
  • Demonstrated success managing external lobbying firms, consultants, and multi-jurisdictional advocacy campaigns, including setting strategy, priorities, and performance expectations.
  • Experience operating in highly regulated or politically sensitive environments, such as healthcare, life sciences, medical technology, manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries.
  • Strong strategic judgment and executive presence, with experience advising senior leaders and executives in high-stakes environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level briefings, talking points, and strategic recommendations.
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MPP, MPH, JD, MBA) strongly preferred.


Why This Role Matters

This role is central to ensuring the company's voice is credible, coordinated, and effective in shaping public policy that impacts patient access, innovation, and business continuity. Success will be measured by strong executive trust, durable policymaker relationships, and tangible policy and regulatory outcomes that protect and advance the company's mission.

Primary Work Location
USA DC - Washington, DC

Salary Range Information
$202,700.00 - $324,200.00 USD Annual

About Becton, Dickinson and Company

BD is a global technology company that provides diagnostics and technologies for frontliners. Through their solutions and services, they assist scientists in detecting diseases and advanced researchers' on developing diagnoses and therapeutics. BD was established in 1897 by Farleigh Dickinson and Maxwell Becton in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Careers

Join the innovative world of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a global medical technology company that is actively seeking driven, dedicated professionals to join our team. At BD, we are committed to advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. This commitment provides the foundation for a workplace where you can engage in meaningful work and where job opportunities abound.

Work You’ll Do

At BD, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and innovation. Our team members are empowered to lead and inspire from day one. Join us and contribute to our mission of advancing the world of health through your professional skills and personal passion.

Transform Your Career

BD offers a unique position in the marketplace that combines industry expertise, leadership in medical innovation, and a collaborative culture to help you grow your career. Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, we provide the tools and support for your professional growth through comprehensive training and development programs.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at BD is composed of more than 65,000 associates across the globe. These dedicated professionals work at the intersection of technology and healthcare, where they drive innovation and ensure that we stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. By joining BD, you will work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your career with BD through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We offer a range of opportunities that allow you to explore different areas of our business and find a path that aligns with your career goals. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates—whether submitting a resume for an internship or a senior position—feel valued and informed.

Benefits and Culture

BD is proud to offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health insurance to employee wellness programs and flexible working arrangements, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Our inclusive culture encourages networking, continuous learning, and the sharing of ideas in a diverse and welcoming environment.

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Explore the job opportunities at BD and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of healthcare. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players.

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Explore Careers at BD

Whether you're preparing for your first interview or looking to advance into a leadership role, BD offers career paths that foster continuous growth and innovation. Join us in our mission to improve medical outcomes and enhance patient care worldwide.

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Learn more about Becton, Dickinson and Company
Size
75,000 employees
Market Cap
$72 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.6 billion
Founded
1897
5 Year Trend
+9.3%
Revenue
$18.2 billion
NASDAQ

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