Director, State Government Affairs

Location: Continental US with proximity to the U.S. headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, or key states (California, Texas, and Florida) preferred.

Reporting to: Head of U.S. Government Affairs and Washington D.C., Office

Orchard Therapeutics, a Kyowa Kirin company, is a global gene therapy leader focused on transforming the lives of patients with rare disorders through innovative gene therapies based on gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Orchard has its global headquarters in London, England, and its U.S. headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Director, State Government Affairs will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, proactive state government affairs strategy that advances the company’s mission and goals with local, regional, and state elected officials, appointees, and other policymakers and influencers. The Director will develop and manage Orchard’s state government affairs consultant relationships, work closely with business leaders on relevant issues, and partner cross-functionally with patient advocacy, diagnostics, medical affairs, market access, and the broader U.S. commercial team. This role reports to the Head of U.S. Government Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

·         Create and execute state engagement strategies with state government officials, patients, and stakeholders to advance public policy priorities that address opportunities and risks to our business and patient access, with an initial focus on newborn screening in select target states.

·         Develop strategic plans for state government affairs that clearly identify priorities and execution timelines, along with slides and educational materials to present to colleagues regarding opportunities and risks.

·         Develop and maintain strategic relationships with state governmental entities (members of state legislatures, committee staff, administration staff, regulatory officials, and, in some instances, local jurisdictions) to introduce the company and priority issues for our business and patient community, with an initial emphasis on the importance of newborn screening.

·         Work cross-functionally to influence Medicaid coverage and access policies and support alignment and integration across state and federal objectives.

·         Monitor states’ prescription drug affordability board activities for potential threats to access to gene therapies.

·         Partner cross-functionally with patient advocacy, diagnostics, medical affairs, legal, market access, and the broader U.S. commercial team regarding approaches that ensure patient access to our products. As appropriate, liaise with and support Advanced Therapy Account Managers (ATAMs) regarding specific reimbursement, payment, and access matters.

·         Actively participate in trade association committees and coalitions to advance policy positions and support those organizations’ advocacy and policy engagement. Serve on relevant policy and other appropriate committees.

·         Work with industry partners on key legislative and policy matters in states to promote an environment that supports innovation and access. Find opportunities to create and lead coalitions among patient advocates, medical professionals, and, when feasible, other companies interested in similar state-level issues.

·         Hire and manage external consultants in the target states, pending budget approval, to execute goals and inspire exceptional outcomes for patients and the business.

·         Draft memos, educational materials, and presentations detailing the impact of state legislation and policy on the company’s business, the State Government Affairs strategy, and recommend actions as needed.

·         Work and contribute as a highly functioning team player by sharing best practices, communicating relevant insights on issues and intelligence, leading special projects, and coordinating with team members to ensure coverage of key meetings, events, and activities.

·         Oversee compliance with state laws and internal ethical requirements related to lobbyist registration, reporting, and political contributions to state government officials.

Education / Key Competencies

·         Bachelor’s degree required; law or graduate degree preferred (ideally with concentration in public policy, public health, or related field)

·         Prior experience as a registered state lobbyist strongly preferred.

·         Minimum of 8–10 years recent, relevant experience in state government affairs advocacy. Preference for experience in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in key issue areas, including newborn screening, gene therapies, and healthcare reimbursement policies.

·         Demonstrated passion for and commitment to the rare disease community – particularly the rare pediatric disease patient and families we serve.

·         Skilled manager of external consultants, ideally with experience managing consultants in multiple states.

·         Hands-on, entrepreneurial professional with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials and their staff, as well as other governmental and non-governmental policy leaders.

·         Proven teamwork and collaboration skills, including a demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and externally with trade associations, patient advocacy groups, and other parties as required.

·         Working knowledge of U.S. government affairs compliance, including lobbying disclosure and political giving requirements.

·         Demonstrated ability and success developing and executing strategy, as well as the ability to reprioritize strategic imperatives in a shifting political environment.

·         Thorough understanding of state government, including legislative, regulatory, and political processes.

·         Confirmed ability to write and edit legislative language and shape state legislation and regulations to achieve corporate goals.

·         Strong presence, communication skills, and ability to influence – including the ability to tailor messages to the audience by distilling complex issues into concise talking points, position papers, and slides.

·         Attention to detail and an ability to recognize issues in the context of higher-level policies and regulations.

·         Results-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

·         Ability to travel domestically up to 70 percent.