Deputy Vice President, Public Affairs, Innovation Ecosystem
PHRMA
Summary
PhRMA is seeking a Deputy Vice President for the Public Affairs team to lead its communications on the innovation ecosystem. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs, this leadership role will shape and drive integrated communications strategies that demonstrate the value of biopharmaceutical innovation, strengthen American leadership, and advance PhRMA's policy priorities.
Job description
Overview
PhRMA is seeking a Deputy Vice President for the Public Affairs team to lead its communications on the innovation ecosystem. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs, this leadership role will shape and drive integrated communications strategies that demonstrate the value of biopharmaceutical innovation, strengthen American leadership, and advance PhRMA's policy priorities.
The Deputy Vice President will provide strategic direction across industry value, economics, manufacturing, science, regulatory and public health communications, directly supervise two portfolio leads, and proactively identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and advance priorities. This person will also lead PhRMA's communications efforts on artificial intelligence (AI).
Responsibilities
- Lead the innovation ecosystem public affairs portfolio, setting strategic priorities, making sound decisions, and driving execution and measurable results.
- Drive communications supporting the industry's American leadership campaign and the value of the biopharmaceutical industry to patients, the health care system and society.
- Oversee integrated messaging and campaigns on industry value, economic contributions, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, in coordination with policy and advocacy teams.
- Provide strategic direction for science, regulatory and public health communications, including vaccines and antimicrobial resistance, in partnership with portfolio leads.
- Anticipate emerging issues and lead strategic communications on AI; advise senior leadership and coordinate with intellectual property and government pricing colleagues to advance aligned PhRMA priorities.
- Lead the development of effective messaging and communications materials, including media statements, blog posts, op-eds, letters to the editor, press releases, talking points, social media posts and paid media collateral.
- Cultivate productive relationships with member companies, external stakeholders, media, and agency partners; oversee consultants, resources, and campaign performance.
- Understand legislative, political and advocacy dynamics related to prescription drug costs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Success Factors
PhRMA seeks a proactive, confident, and action-oriented individual who is passionate about helping solve today's health care challenges. The successful candidate is a strategic, trusted leader who exercises sound independent judgment and turns priorities into action. This individual brings executive presence, creativity, accountability, and the ability to guide and develop colleagues while building trust across teams. Strong writing, communication, and influencing skills are essential, as is the ability to navigate ambiguity, make timely decisions, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- 10+ years of relevant experience in public affairs, strategic communications, advocacy, government, corporate affairs, trade associations, or related settings
- Substantial experience with health care, biopharmaceutical, science, innovation, or closely related policy issues
- Demonstrated success designing and leading complex, integrated communications and advocacy campaigns with measurable outcomes
- Experience managing people, cross-functional workstreams, and external agency partners
- Excellent writing, media relations, presentation, stakeholder engagement, and executive advisory skills
- Proven ability to lead, set strategy and make decisions independently, advise senior executives, develop talent, and influence stakeholders across an organization
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Life & AD&D Insurance
- LTD & STD
- Parental Leave
- Well-being Program
- On-site Fitness Facility
- Back-up Care
- Health Advocate Service
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuting Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Winter Break
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Leadership Development Programs
Company overview
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is the leading trade association representing America's innovative biopharmaceutical research companies. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., PhRMA advocates for public policies that encourage the discovery and development of new medicines while ensuring patient access to safe, effective treatments. The organization represents more than 30 of the world's leading research-intensive pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca. PhRMA's mission focuses on advancing innovation, making medicines more affordable, and creating a more equitable healthcare system. The association works at federal and state levels to protect intellectual property rights, promote transparent regulation, and advocate against government price controls that could hinder future medical innovation. Through initiatives like the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and SMARxT Disposal program, PhRMA demonstrates its commitment to patient welfare and environmental responsibility. With approximately 200-500 employees, the organization serves as a critical voice in shaping healthcare policy and maintaining America's leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation.