Job Overview

BASIC SUMMARY:

The VP of Federal Government Affairs will serve as a key advocate for the Charles River's interests before federal policymakers, with a primary focus on drug development issues. This individual will develop and execute education and advocacy strategies, engage with congressional offices and federal agencies, manage third-party lobbyists, and help shape policy outcomes that support the Charles River's strategic objectives. The role requires strong policy acumen, exceptional relationship-building abilities, and the capacity to translate complex business issues into clear and compelling public-policy positions. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment and brings deep experience working within the federal legislative and regulatory landscape. The ideal candidate will blend visionary leadership with a hands-on approach to advance the organization's mission and shape critical legislative outcomes.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duty

% of Time Spent (no less than 10%)

Strategic Policy Development & Vision: Design and execute comprehensive federal government strategies that align with the organization's purpose and goals. Assess the impact of legislative or regulatory proposals, and establish short- and long-term policy priorities. Lead direct advocacy efforts with congressional staff, elected officials, and federal regulators on issues impacting Charles River

25%

Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building: Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key government officials, lawmakers, industry partners, and advocacy groups. Build and lead high-impact coalitions to amplify the organization's voice and drive consensus on critical policy issues. Monitors the legislative and regulatory environment and communicates developments to Charles RIver stakeholders

20%

Advocacy & Government Relations: Direct third-party lobbying activities and grassroots advocacy and education efforts to advance or oppose specific legislation and regulations. Prepare compelling testimony, policy briefs, and advocacy campaigns designed to influence policymakers and key regulatory bodies.

20%

Board Communication & Organizational Leadership: Serve as the primary subject matter expert on all federal issues and support the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Communications Officer in thier support of, and education to, the Board of Directors on these matters. Translate complex political, economic, and social issues into actionable updates, ensuring the board is informed of emerging risks and opportunities.

15%

Research Analysis & Impact: Oversee the data collection, research, and rigorous evaluation of public policy outcomes. Ensure all policy positions are backed by evidence and measure the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives to demonstrate value to stakeholders

10%

Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the public policy department. Allocate necessary resources for policy research, lobbying efforts, and public awareness campaigns while ensuring strict compliance with lobbying and financial disclosure regulations

5%

Stakeholders include Chief Communications Officer, Chief Scientific Officer, CEO.

Compensation Data

The hiring range for this position in the US is $250,000/yr - $280,000/yr. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, location and any collective agreements, if applicable.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Master's degree in public policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Law or related field, or advanced scientific degrees in the field
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in public policy, government relations, or legislative advocacy. Preferably in a publicly-traded company.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Other:

• 5+years in a senior leadership position or a position that interacts with Board of Directors and Executive Leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of local, state and federal legislative and regulatory processes
• Proven track record of successfully building coalitions and influencing public policy outcomes.
• Exceptional written communications skills for drafting briefs, testimonies and board reports
• Strong media literacy and experience serving as an official organizational spokesperson

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS:

• Lives and located in Washington D.C
• As a remote worker, has sufficient internet and technical infrastructure and a home-based location suitable for creating a professional environment for video conference calls.