Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

Senior Director, Policy & Research

Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in pharmaceutical pricing, market access, or related fields.
  • Master's degree in public health, economics, public policy, or health services research.
  • Deep knowledge of U.S. drug pricing and reimbursement systems.
  • Proven cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management experience.
  • Strong quantitative and data interpretation skills.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and communication abilities.
  • Experience in managing research vendors and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research and advocacy content development related to drug pricing and reimbursement.
  • Monitor and analyze spending trends and market access issues in pharmaceuticals.
  • Translate complex research findings into actionable policy insights for various stakeholders.
  • Manage and oversee internal and external research projects.
  • Collaborate with the 340B policy team on research methodologies and coordination.
  • Track and summarize ongoing 340B projects and related research findings.
  • Conduct rapid response analyses to support advocacy and policy initiatives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts and life insurance coverage.
  • Paid parental leave and employee assistance programs.
  • Generous paid time off and a robust 401k plan with immediate vesting.
  • Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement.
  • Remote work options, with structured in-office days for collaboration.
Full Job Description
Overview

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking a Senior Director for the Policy and Research team to support its policy development and research strategy efforts. Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, Policy & Research, this position leads the development, management, and communication of research supporting PhRMA's advocacy priorities related to prescription drug spending, pharmaceutical reimbursement and distribution, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The Senior Director serves as a key internal resource by managing research projects, synthesizing complex evidence, advising cross-functional teams, and translating research into actionable policy and advocacy materials.

The Senior Director will focus on:
  • Prescription Drug Spending and Market Access Research
  • Lead development and review of research content and advocacy materials related to prescription drug costs, reimbursement, coverage and market access issues.
  • Monitor and analyze trends in drug spending, utilization, pricing, pharmaceutical supply chain dynamics, PBM and insurer business practices, and coverage and access to medicines across public and private health care programs.
  • Identify and analyze emerging policy and market developments that may affect prescription drug costs and coverage.
  • Translate or synthesize complex pricing concepts, analyses, and research findings for senior management, member companies, and external stakeholders.
  • Interface with other departments, internal to PhRMA, to review and advise on talking points, press releases, media requests, legislative and regulatory proposals.
  • Manage internal and external research, oversee project execution and deliverables.
  • Conduct rapid response analyses and data syntheses to inform advocacy, communications, and policy efforts.
  • 340B and Hospital Research
  • Partner with the 340B policy team on research development and execution, including advising on methodology, reviewing scopes of work and identifying and engaging research partners.
  • Actively manage research projects, including communicating with outside researchers/analysts, getting internal feedback, communicating with other departments, updating research trackers, and developing summaries as needed.
  • Monitor and evaluate 340B research, including identifying and summarizing new studies to disseminate internally and externally as needed.
  • Draft research updates, summaries, emails, slides, and other materials to keep the department and members informed of relevant 340B research.
  • Track all ongoing PhRMA-funded 340B projects and keep internal systems up to date with current status, deliverables and target release date.
  • Provide analytic and strategic support for other hospital related research.
  • Perform other duties as assigned


Key Success Factors

PhRMA seeks a proactive, analytical, and collaborative individual who is passionate about contributing to the health care challenges we face today. The successful candidate demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and project management skills and can translate complex research into practical policy insights that support organizational priorities. This individual builds strong working relationships across departments and with external research partners, manages multiple priorities under compressed timelines, and exercises sound judgment in a dynamic policy environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating across teams are essential for success in this role.

Professional Experience / Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical pricing or market access, policy, health economics, or a related field.
  • Master's degree in public health, economics, public policy, health services research, or related discipline.
  • Deep expertise in U.S. drug pricing, coverage, reimbursement systems, and public programs and public policy analysis.
  • Proven leadership in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong quantitative skills; ability to interpret complex data and synthesize insights.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience managing consultants, research vendors, and direct reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor staff.

Preferred Experience
  • MBA, Master's in Public Policy, PharmD, JD, or Ph.D. in economics, health policy, or related field.
  • Experience in pharmaceutical reimbursement and distribution, PBM and insurer business practices, 340B or market access analytics.

Potential Salary

$169,300-237,100 per annum. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

What we offer

In 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 wellbeing program, back-up care, health advocate service, 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, seven 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 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 on-boarding 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 organization-wide 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 own 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.

About Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is a trade association that represents the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. The organization was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. PhRMA's members include pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies that are involved in the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. The organization advocates for policies that promote innovation and patient access to new treatments, and it works to educate policymakers and the public about the value of the pharmaceutical industry. PhRMA is also involved in efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and to promote responsible use of prescription drugs.
Learn more about Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
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