Director of Government and Public Affairs, Healthcare, US

About the role:

We are working with a client who is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Government and Public Affairs to join their team. This pivotal role will focus on developing and executing strategies to engage with key stakeholders and navigate complex regulatory environments within the healthcare sector. The successful candidate will build and maintain robust relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations, and will play a critical role in influencing healthcare policy to protect and promote the organisation’s interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Government Relations Strategy:
  Develop and implement strategies for federal and state government affairs that align with the company’s growth objectives.
  Monitor and assess legislative and regulatory changes related to medical device approval, reimbursement, trade, and healthcare innovation.
  Advise senior leadership on policy risks and opportunities that could impact the organisation.
• External Engagement:
  Establish and nurture relationships with government agencies, healthcare regulatory bodies, medical insurance organisations, and international institutions (e.g., CMS, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF).
  Maintain strong connections with Congressional offices, executive agencies, and key policymakers.
  Represent the organisation at industry events and conferences, actively participating in industry coalitions to shape policy positions.
• Internal Engagement:
  Collaborate closely with teams in sales, marketing, regulatory affairs, and legal to ensure alignment between advocacy efforts and product/commercialisation strategies.
• Policy Analysis & Healthcare Funding:
  Track and evaluate healthcare funding mechanisms, including market access and import controls, and provide actionable insights to the organisation on potential policy changes.
  Influence the legislative and regulatory outcomes affecting medical device pathways and reimbursement structures.
• Compliance & Oversight:
  Identify and mitigate risks arising from trade disputes or policy shifts that may affect operations.
  Oversee lobbying compliance, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and ethics regulations.
  Manage external lobbying firms and consultants as required.

Key Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as public health, pharmacy, medical science, public policy, economics, international relations, or communications.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in public sector roles, healthcare industry (preferably in medical devices), or related fields with a focus on policy analysis, public affairs, and lobbying.
• Proven experience in influencing policy outcomes and advancing legislative initiatives.
• Established relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, particularly in the medical device sector, with an emphasis on Central Asia.
• In-depth knowledge of FDA regulatory frameworks and healthcare policy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.

This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role within an evolving and impactful organisation. If you are a highly driven individual with the necessary experience and expertise in public affairs, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.  You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.